How to Become a Financial Economist

Financial economists are employed to study, predict and sometimes to design financial markets. With this in mind, one who wants to become a financial economist must possess these skills. Generally speaking, this is going to require considerable formal education in economics and finance. Many financial economists have completed graduate degrees.

Instructions

1. Earn an undergraduate degree in economics or business. For those who are seriously considering being a financial economist, the undergraduate training should focus on quantitative economics like finance and probably less on the philosophic classes like economic history. It is common for students to earn at least a minor in math when in college.

2. Earn a graduate degree in economics. The graduate degree will include high-level mathematics and economic modeling classes. Consequently, it is critical to have a solid mathematics background before entering a graduate program in economics.

3. Find a job. Often financial economists work for the federal government. In many respects, the modeling and analyses in financial economics overlaps the work of macroeconomists. Many financial economists work as investment bankers or as consultants.

References

• Financial Economists
• Claremont McKenna: Financial Economists