WHY AND HOW TO BECOME AN ECONOMIST?

 Today, the economy has become globalized. This has allowed the profession of an economist to develop and be highlighted, especially because of the economic crisis. An economist, therefore, specializes in economic issues and works for companies: he helps them make strategic decisions for the development of the company. How do you become an economist? What studies do you need to do and what are the necessary qualities?

 

Why become an economist?

An economist is charged with quite varied tasks. He must know how to analyze the economic situation and make diagnoses to help his employers make the best decisions. The economist has a great influence on the strategy of the company or the bank for which he works.

 

It makes a diagnosis in the form of an economic model that includes short- and medium-term forecasts. The study it proposes may concern trends in the global economy or its components.

 

An economic researcher looks at the evolution of money and interest rates as well as tax policy or household consumption.

 

An economist can also work within a ministry or certain institutes, such as INSEE. Some international institutions such as the IMF may also call on economists.

 

It is also possible to work in the private sector (bank, company, insurance company).

 

This will actually depend on the specialization of the economist (statistics, monetary policy, labor market, etc.).

 

How to become an economist?

To be able to become an economist, you have to plan for long studies. Above all, it is necessary to pass an economic and social baccalaureate and then integrate a Grande Ecole or a Faculty of Economics.

 

BTS or DUT

After the Bac, you can consider a BTS or a DUT. Both degrees are recognized by the State and oriented toward the study of subjects related to management, finance, and commerce.

To become an economist, you can turn to a BTS:

 support for managerial action;

• accounting and management;
• in SME management;
• in international trade;
• Sales;
• operational sales management;
• Digitalization of the relationship.

If you prefer DUTs, you can choose from the following:

 

• administrative and commercial management of organizations;
• marketing techniques;
• management of companies and administrations with options accounting and financial management;
• management and management of organizations;
• human resources management.

 

Contents

Both in BTS and DUT, you will have to deepen your knowledge and acquire skills in different areas such as:

 

• environmental economics;
• organizational management tools and techniques;
• labour, commercial and tax law;
• statistical analysis;
• business strategy and project management;
• operational marketing;
• human resources management and logistics management;
• production and database management;
• management control and planning;
• administrative and competition law;
• purchasing and sales management;
• marketing strategy and international trade;
• IT;
• the international economy;
• macroeconomics and microeconomics;
• the social and solidarity economy;
• business management;
• industrial economics and econometrics.

During a BTS or DUT, you will be asked to do an internship in a company.

 You can do it both in France and abroad. You can also choose a study-work path, under an apprenticeship contract or a professional contract in a host institution. This is a good way to use all the skills and knowledge acquired during your studies.

 

Bachelor's and Master's degrees

If you have a Bac + 2 in economics, you have the possibility to go to a Bac + 3 or a Bac + 5. If you want to do a bachelor's degree, you can opt for a bachelor's degree in economics-management, professional or not, or a diploma in a specialized school such as a business school, a management school, a school of human resources, a school of finance, an accounting school or a school of economics.

 The master's is possible after the bachelor's degree. You can obtain it in both a private and public institution, in France or abroad.

 

COUNSEL:

If you decide to go abroad, the courses will be given to you in English and will bring more weight to your course.

Doctorate

After a master's degree, you can opt for a Bac+8 and embark on a doctorate in a specific field of economics, finance, management, or even commerce.

 Going through a Ph.D. Will allow you to sharpen your knowledge and do in-depth research work. A doctorate lasts between 3 and 4 years.

You will be under the supervision of a thesis supervisor who should help you find a thesis topic. He will also preside over the jury for the evaluation of your research with a view to obtaining your degree. You will then become a doctor of economics.

 

What are the missions of an economist?

An economist plans, implements, and evaluates economic performance in a specific area. He studies economic problems for the organization in which he works.

One of its main tasks is the observation, recording, and interpretation of economic data in order to assess and anticipate trends. He also has the opportunity to make his own theories in the economic field and to have his research published in specialized journals.

 An economist may also:

• collect and acquire data;
• analyze and interpret collected data;
• study economic trends (current or past) to anticipate trends;
• analyze the effectiveness of the political and economic actions in place;
• plan and develop specific lines of action in a specific economic sector;
• provide economic advice;
• research and publish;
• teaching economics at university;
• organize seminars and participate in symposia.

The average salary of an economist is between 2,500 and 4,000 euros per month. However, this may depend on their work environment, experience, and the field in which they specialize.

The salary of a teacher-researcher will depend in part on the publications he will perform. If the economist sees his work published internationally, he will have a greater reputation than if he publishes only in France, for example. He will also earn a better living.