Education

Economics: learn about the profession that uses numbers to understand society 

The economist analyzes a series of data to identify the impact that financial decisions can have on the lives of people, companies and governments.

Tuesday, May 13 | 2025
The job opportunities for economists are quite broad and varied, so each person can choose the path that best matches their interests and professional goals. / Photo: Giordano Toldo

Have you ever heard someone say that they would like to “live off stocks”? In theory, anyone can invest in the stock market and have this source of income, but it is an activity that requires a lot of knowledge about the economic scenario so as not to become financially dangerous. So, even though it is the dream of some, if it is not done with the necessary care it can turn into a nightmare. 

The safest way to buy and sell shares is with the support of professionals who have a deep understanding of the subject, such as economists. This is because they study the financial and capital markets throughout their training, in addition to several other topics that directly impact the stock market.  

But it doesn't stop there, the person who graduates in Economic Sciences also learn about accounting, finances public, micro and macroeconomy, statistic, probability and much more. Are you interested in learning more about this degree? Continue reading the article to find out what this professional does on a daily basis, what the perspectives career and how to have success in the area. 

  1. What does an economist do? 
  1. What are the areas of activity? 
  1. What are the market prospects? 
  1. How to stand out as an economist? 
  1. Is the Economics course for me? 

What does an economist do?

Before knowing what activities this professional performs, it is necessary to understand the main purpose of the area. Economic Sciences analyze how the peopleThe companies and the governments make economic decisions and how these measures affect the production, distribution and best before date of products and services. All of this impacts the daily lives of citizens in matters such as inflation, the index of unemployment, the rates of Interest, the levels of price, etc. 

Depending on the area of ​​activity and the place where they are working, the economist has different tasks, but some examples that we can mention are: analysis of data e policies public, preparation of reports, modeling economic, study of markets, predictions economic, assessments of risks e development of strategies. In short, this professional deals daily with numbers, statistics and many analyses to contribute to the decision-making financial 

What are the areas of expertise?

The job opportunities for the economist are quite put e varied, so everyone can choose the path that best suits their needs. interests e objectives professionals. It is possible, for example, to decide between being employee of private companies or the public sector, act as autonomous, become entrepreneur and enthusiast or build a career academic.  

Furthermore, there are different areas of expertise that he can follow. Get to know some of them: 

  • Financial and Capital Market: works with expertise, advice, consultancy and asset management.  
  • Financial Institution: coordinates strategies to maximize profits, attract investors and increase profitability. 
  • Personal Finance and Financial Education: helps people deal with money and manage their resources intelligently. 
  • Environment and Agribusiness: operates in production chains and agro-industrial systems, promoting sustainable circular production practices.  
  • Projection of Economic Scenarios: analyzes the current situation to identify what may happen in the future. From this, strategies and action plans are developed. 
  • Data Analysis and Computational Models: uses computing to analyze problems, structure and visualize large volumes of data, and simulate economic phenomena. 
  • Public sector: analyzes economic impacts and contributes to the creation and implementation of public policies at different levels of government.  
  • Private businesses: evaluates companies, manages finances and manages investments. 
  • Teaching, Research and Innovation: dedicated to research and teaching in educational institutions, in addition to providing consultancy in research centers, technology and innovation parks, among other places. 

What are the market prospects?

A employability rate for those who graduate in the field of economics, it is in 68%, then the probability of entering the job market is very high for these professionals. The area of public tenders, to work in various government agencies and institutions, also offers excellent job prospects and attractive salaries. 

Now talking about the financial market, volume invested by Brazilians in 2024 it surpassed the BRL 7 trillion, an increase of more than 11% compared to the previous year and which demonstrates the great interest of the population in trading assets. Another interesting fact reveals that agricultural activity of the country grew 15,1% of the country grew 15,1% between 2022 and 2023, so job opportunities in the area for economists are also very promising

How to stand out as an economist?

The employability rate for those who graduate in the field of economics is 68%. / Photo: Pexels

One of the main characteristics of a good professional is to always be updated on political, economic and social issues, both in Brazil and around the world. In addition, anyone who wants to be valued by the job market also needs to develop Skills focused on behavior and the relations interpersonal. 

Being a person flexible and able to adapt to changes, Tue resilience, think in a way analytics, to demonstrate proactivity, communicate-if well, be able to work in team, to know negotiate and have a sense of lead These are some of the skills that successful economists must perfect throughout their careers. 

And what about the specific knowledge of the profession matter to the market? A lot, so continue studies after graduation — and throughout your career — is another decisive factor in achieving good opportunities. PUCRS, for example, offers various courses for those who want to deepen their studies, such as specializing in Human and Organizational Development, the MPA in Innovation and the New Public Sector and MBAs in Project Management e Financial Management and Controllership

The University also offers postgraduate programs in Business Administration e Development Economics, which are great options for those who are thinking of pursuing a career in education e research

Is the Economics course for me?

I like to follow the News and want to understand the economic scenario is the first step to putting this degree on your list. If you have an aptitude for numbers and analysis of data, has a strong critical sense, is curious about the world of business and becomes interested in behavior human, the course of Economic Sciences should definitely be among your options. 

At PUCRS, for example, the activities of the first semester already cover several important matters in the area, in subjects such as:  

  • Introductory Accounting 
  • Statistics and Probability for Economics and Business 
  • Fundamentals of Administration 
  • Introduction to Capitalization and Investments 
  • Introduction to economy 

From the second semester onwards, the contents are in-depth and present the areas of expertise. Check out some of the activities: 

  • Computational Economics Laboratory 
  • Public finances 
  • Personal and Behavioral Finance Laboratory 
  • Agribusiness Economy 
  • Laboratory of Regional and Urban Economics  
  • International economy 

Furthermore, from the beginning of the course, students have practical and immersive classes that connect them to the real challenges of the business world and society. This happens through the Tecnopuc Business, one of the biggest innovation ecosystems from Brazil and that connects more than a thousand companies and startups.  

Speaking of connection, the course also provides contact with other degrees so that students develop skills and have broader knowledge in the area of management and business. They also participate in mentorships personalized, which prepare you for professional life. 

Another difference is the qualified group of professors of the course, which not only acts in the market of work as well as in scientific research. Graduation, which is the unique from Southern Brazil with a training line in Finances, offers a flexible curriculum, with different study certifications, and has partnerships with institutions abroad so that students can live international experiences in more than 26 countries around the world. Not to mention that it is the best-placed course in the RUF 2024 ranking of private institutions in the South of the country. 

Are you interested in Economic Sciences? This profession analyzes the various factors that impact the economy to guide people, companies, institutions and government agencies to invest correctly and protect their assets. Did you like the course, but still want to learn more about it?