First, some facts. Of the Economics graduates from Harvard University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 20 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 73%, Economics graduates from Harvard University have a higher likelihood (+6%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 45% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Economics graduate.
See the details:
Relevance score: 41%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2023 from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Economics. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONUnderwriting InternChubb Jul 2023 - Dec 2023 Player/Coach Krakw Football Kings Jan 2024 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Science in Risk and InsuranceButler University 2023 - 2024 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the various jobs held by individuals who graduated with an Economics degree from Harvard, it's clear that a significant number of them have gravitated towards roles that involve economic analysis, investment strategies, and financial decision-making. Positions like Analysts and Associates in investment firms, business consulting roles, and financial analyst jobs are all prevalent. These types of jobs not only leverage the skills learned in their economics programs but also make use of their analytical and critical thinking abilities, which are essential in the economics field. Jobs like CFOs and Managing Directors also show that graduates are taking on high-level roles that require an advanced understanding of economic principles.
However, it’s worth noting that not all roles closely align with economics. For example, some graduates have ventured into sports, arts, or operations management roles that emphasized more conventional business or operational skills. These positions did not heavily rely on the core economic theories or analytical skills honed during their studies. So, while many graduates have found relevant positions that make the most of their economics knowledge, a portion have diverged into fields where their degree plays a lesser role in their day-to-day tasks. Overall, there's a solid mix of directly relevant jobs alongside some that are more of a stretch from their economics roots.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Economics graduates (this is across all Economics graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Harvard University):
Graduates from Harvard University with a degree in Economics typically follow some pretty impressive career trajectories, especially in finance and consulting sectors. For many, their first jobs after graduation are often as analysts or associates at major companies, like investment banks (e.g., Guggenheim Partners, Citi) or consulting firms (like Bain & Company). This trend highlights the relevance of their degree, as they’re jumping right into roles that leverage their analytical and economic expertise. Over the next five to ten years, many of these individuals progress to more senior positions, often moving into management or even executive levels. For instance, graduates who started as analysts have risen to roles like Chief Financial Officer or Managing Director, showcasing a clear pathway of growth in influential industries.
However, there are some outliers in the mix. While many graduates have remained firmly within economics-related careers, some have veered off into very different paths, ranging from sports and entertainment to teaching and coaching. For example, a couple of graduates pursued sports-related jobs and others ended up in roles that don’t directly correlate to economics, such as coaching or working in media. Nevertheless, the majority of Harvard Economics grads tend to find solid and rewarding careers that align closely with their field of study. So, while you might see some varied career choices, it seems like a Harvard Economics degree definitely sets a strong foundation for a successful professional journey.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Harvard is definitely challenging, but it's also really rewarding if you're into it! You’ll be diving into a lot of complex theories, quantitative methods, and data analysis, which can be pretty intense compared to a lot of other majors. The coursework is rigorous, and you'll be surrounded by bright peers who are equally driven, which can make for a competitive atmosphere. It might feel tougher than the average degree, especially with the high expectations and workload, but if you’re passionate about the subject, you’ll probably find it super interesting and worthwhile! Just be ready to put in the effort, and don't forget to balance your studies with self-care and social time.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Economics.
Looking at these Harvard grads and their job paths, it seems like most of them are doing pretty well for themselves financially, especially those in finance, tech, and consulting roles. For example, the CFOs and investment bankers probably bring in six figures easily, which is a solid income. Even those in operations management and analytics seem to be on good tracks, moving up to director and VP roles. However, there are a few on the list, like the personal trainer or the assistant positions, who might not be raking in the same kind of cash, but they likely chose paths that align more with their interests. Overall, it looks like a good number of these graduates have landed lucrative positions that should keep them comfortably afloat!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Economics (this is across all Economics graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Harvard University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Economics (ordered by the average relevance score of their Economics graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: