Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Economist
What economists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an economist?
Read the jobs report. From there, the day usually includes collect economic data, build models and forecasts, and analyze policies. Full-time business hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an economist working full time.
- Read the jobs report.
- Update a forecast model.
- Analyze survey data.
- Write a policy brief.
- Meet a research team.
- Brief leadership.
- Review a working paper.
Where economists work
Economists work in offices for governments, firms and research institutions.
Hours and schedule
Full-time business hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Collect economic data
- Build models and forecasts
- Analyze policies
- Write reports
- Present findings
- Advise leaders
- Track economic trends
Tools you’ll use every day
- Stata
- R or Python
- Excel
- Economic databases
- MATLAB
- Presentation tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- High pay
- Influence on policy
- Intellectual work
- Varied employers
What’s hard
- Advanced degree usually required
- Competitive jobs
- Forecasts can be wrong
- Desk-heavy
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love data and theory
- I follow economic news
- I like writing
- I want policy influence
- I’m willing to do grad school
- I think critically
Not sure? Take the free Economist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect confidential data
- Follow research ethics
- Present findings honestly
- Disclose limitations