First, some facts. Of the Economics graduates from Michigan State 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 33 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 69%, Economics graduates from Michigan State University have a slightly higher 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 24% 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:
Relevance score: 21%We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2016 from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONManagementSherwin-Williams Jun 2016 - Jan 2018 Store Manager Sherwin-Williams Jan 2018 - Jan 2021 Commercial / Fluid-Applied Roofing Representative Sherwin-Williams Jan 2021 - Mar 2024 Commercial Sales Representative Sherwin-Williams Mar 2024 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Based on the profiles analyzed, graduates from Michigan State University with a degree in Economics have pursued a wide array of careers, predominantly in finance, consulting, and analytics. Many have taken roles like Financial Analysts, Financial Advisors, and various positions at financial institutions such as Quicken Loans and Fidelity Investments, where they actively engage with economic principles and financial analysis on a daily basis. In addition, a noticeable chunk of graduates has moved into operational roles and leadership positions, particularly in companies like ITC Holdings Corp. and ALDI USA. These roles often require more strategic decision-making, which can still be tied back to economic concepts, though the daily application may not always be as strict as in pure financial roles.
However, not all positions held by these alumni maintain a direct connection to their Economics degree. Some found themselves in jobs that leverage general skills learned in economics—like analytical thinking or market understanding—without necessitating in-depth economic knowledge. For example, roles in project management or customer-facing positions, like those at Sherwin-Williams or in various sales roles, often focus more on operational management or client relations than on core economic principles. Therefore, while many graduates effectively translate their studies into relevant job skills, others wind up in careers where the link to their Economics education is weak. Overall, it seems like there’s a solid foundation of economic application in many careers, but the relevance varies significantly depending on the job choice.
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 Michigan State University):
Graduates with an Economics degree from Michigan State University seem to have a pretty solid career trajectory overall. When looking at their first jobs after graduation, many started out in finance-related positions, such as financial analysts, advisors, or in corporate roles that leverage their economic knowledge. For example, there are folks who became financial advisors, hedge fund accountants, and various analytical roles within large companies. This early focus on finance or analysis shows that these graduates tend to land jobs that are both relevant to their degree and offer a pathway for growth.
Fast forward five to ten years, and many of these graduates are moving up in their careers, often transitioning into managerial or leadership roles. A considerable number hold positions like finance managers, directors, or even COOs in their respective companies. For instance, several graduates who started as analysts have moved up to senior roles or vice president positions. However, it's also worth noting that some graduates have taken non-traditional paths or shifted out of pure economics-focused roles into areas like project management or real estate. Overall, those who pursued careers closely tied to their Economics degree seem to have found solid opportunities, while some have diversified into other fields, proving that an Economics degree can be quite versatile.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Michigan State University can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your strengths and interests. The coursework involves a lot of math, statistics, and analytical thinking, which can be tough if you're not already comfortable with those subjects. Generally, it’s considered about average in terms of difficulty compared to other majors, but if you're really into understanding how the economy works and enjoy problem-solving, you might find it more rewarding than hard. Just be ready to tackle some heavy concepts and maybe do a bit of extra studying, especially in quantitative classes!
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 Michigan State University grads, it seems like most of them are doing pretty well in terms of making decent money. Many of the older graduates have climbed up the corporate ladder into roles like Chief Operating Officer and Director, which usually come with a nice paycheck. Even those who started in internships or entry-level positions, like at Quicken Loans or with financial consulting firms, have transitioned into management or specialized roles that typically pay well over time. Some even ventured into high-stakes careers, like financial advising and commercial real estate, which can be lucrative. The newer graduates are still in the early stages, but they're getting into promising positions too. Overall, it appears they’re on a solid path to financial success!
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 Michigan State 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: