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First, some facts. Of the Economics graduates from James Madison 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 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 65%, Economics graduates from James Madison University have a slightly lower likelihood (-2%) 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, only 18% 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 a Bachelors degree is enough for most Economics graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 22% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2016 from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Economics. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONTemporary Docketing Assistant Legal Placements, Inc. Oct 2016 - Feb 2018 Math Aide/Substitute Teacher Queen Of Apostles School Feb 2018 - Jun 2019 Instructor  Eye Level Learning Jul 2018 - Jul 2019 Graduate Assistant Illinois State University Aug 2019 - May 2020 Substitute Teacher St. Agnes Catholic School Sep 2020 - Mar 2021 Math Teacher St. Agnes Catholic School Mar 2021 - Jun 2023 ABOUTStrong communication, public speaking, leadership, organization, and planning skills from teaching and coaching children through both paid and volunteer work. Strong base in mathematics and statistics with skill in writing and interpreting numbers. Desire to work in community development field with a focus on the financial aspect. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From the profiles analyzed, it seems like a lot of graduates from James Madison University with an economics degree have ventured into jobs that may not directly relate to economics at all. Many have taken roles like teachers, administrative assistants, and account managers where the core duties do not demand economic knowledge or skills. Even those in positions with some potential relevance, like program managers or consultants, tend to focus more on general administrative tasks or project management rather than in-depth economic analysis. There are exceptions, of course—roles like Research Analysts and Economists where the qualifications from their degree are utilized daily. But those jobs seem to be in the minority, while a good chunk of the roles seem disconnected from the economic theories and principles that would typically be a big part of their education.
Overall, it feels like while the economics degree provides a strong analytical foundation, many graduates are finding themselves in jobs that don't fully exploit that background. A lot of these positions focus more on soft skills or general business acumen rather than the specifics of economic theory. It's a bit surprising given the versatility of an economics degree; you'd think more graduates would be landing roles that align closely with their studies. But hey, it’s a mixed bag, and it’s clear that the job market can lead economics grads down a wide variety of paths, even those that don’t directly tie back to their degree.
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 James Madison University):
When looking at the career trajectories of James Madison University graduates with degrees in Economics, it seems like they kick off their journeys with a mix of jobs. Many seem to land roles in business or finance, like working as account executives or research associates, which makes sense given the skill set an economics major typically has. Some graduates start off in positions that may seem a bit off the beaten path, like teaching or working in e-commerce, but eventually, they tend to transition into roles that are more aligned with economics, such as investment advising or management positions within firms related to finance or government. It’s interesting to see, though, that there are a few who jump into entrepreneurial ventures early on, co-founding companies that show ambition right out of the gate.
As time goes on, say five to ten years post-graduation, many of these alumni have moved up in their respective fields. A good number have landed solid roles with significant responsibilities, such as becoming key program managers or directors of customer success. Even those who started in less traditional roles are managing to pivot into positions where they apply their economic expertise. In a nutshell, while some may take a bit longer to find their footing in the economics realm, many eventually find themselves in reputable positions that offer growth and a strong linkage to their degree. So, if you're considering an economics degree at JMU, it looks like the path could lead to some pretty rewarding opportunities down the line!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at James Madison University can be a bit challenging, but it’s not insurmountable. You’ll dive into some pretty dense material, like micro and macroeconomic theories, statistics, and econometrics, which can really test your analytical skills. While it’s not the easiest degree out there, it’s also not the hardest—many students find the content engaging and manageable, especially if you stay on top of your assignments and ask for help when you need it. Plus, if you’ve got an interest in how the world works and enjoy problem-solving, you might find it to be a fun challenge rather than a grind!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Economics.
Looking at the career paths of these Economics grads from James Madison University, it seems like some of them are doing pretty well, while others might be starting off on a more modest note. For instance, graduates who landed roles like Director of Customer Success or those working as Investment Advisors appear to be on a solid financial track, likely pulling in decent salaries. Meanwhile, folks who took on substitute teaching or entry-level positions right after college might not be making bank just yet. Also, newer graduates have some typical starter jobs, but it’s still early to tell where their paths will lead financially. Overall, it seems like a mixed bag—many are on the rise professionally, and their earnings should improve as they gain more experience.
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 James Madison 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:
