First, some facts. Of the Economics graduates from Stanford 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 12 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 65%, Economics graduates from Stanford 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, 41% 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: 31%We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAssociate ConsultantThe Concord Group, LLC Aug 2014 - Apr 2016 Manager The Concord Group, LLC Apr 2016 - Jul 2016 Manager The Concord Group, LLC Jul 2016 - Jun 2017 Analyst Vrde Partners Jul 2017 - Jan 2020 Senior Analyst Vrde Partners Jan 2020 - Oct 2020 Vice President Prime Finance Sep 2021 - Present ABOUT[NAME REMOVED] is currently a Vice President for Prime Finance in San Francisco, CA focusing on commercial real estate originations. He was previously a Senior Analyst at Vrde Partners in Minneapolis, MN and a Manager for The Concord Group in Atlanta, GA.He graduated from Stanford University with a bachelors degree in Economics. [NAME REMOVED] has taken classes in finance, accounting, decision modeling, social psychology and mathematics. Being born and raised in the Philippines with dual-citizenship, [NAME REMOVED] has set a professional goal of utilizing his experience and knowledge of Southeast Asia and his passion for real estate and finance to be a truly global investor. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the job landscape for graduates with a degree in Economics from Stanford University, it seems like there's quite a mix! Many of these alumni have found their way into roles in education, primarily as math teachers, which highlights how deeply rooted math is in economics. Other notable professions include various positions in marketing, project management, and strategic roles. While some of these jobs, such as those at companies like Goldman Sachs and Amazon, align closely with economic principles, many others in creative or administrative fields seem less tied to economics but still benefit from analytical skills developed during their studies.
Overall, it appears that while some Stanford Economics grads are nailing jobs that resonate directly with their degree—like financial analysts and research analysts—many end up in roles that don't require heavy economic expertise but rather rely more on general analytical skills or creativity. This isn't to say these jobs aren't valuable or interesting; it just shows that an Economics degree can lead to various paths, some more closely connected to the field than others. So, if you're thinking about studying economics, keep in mind that it opens doors to many career options, some directly linked to economics and others that branch out into different domains, sometimes requiring just the analytical thinking and problem-solving skills you've learned along the way!
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 Stanford University):
When you look at the career trajectories of Stanford Economics grads, you see a diverse blend of paths, particularly early on after graduation. Many graduates tend to land first jobs in roles that are analytical or research-oriented, like research analysts or marketing specialists. These jobs often serve as a stepping stone into more strategic roles later on. For instance, one graduate went on to work as a Digital Marketing Manager at Stripe and now heads partnerships at various tech companies. Another began as an analyst at Goldman Sachs and quickly moved up to roles like Director of Strategy, showcasing a common trend of rapid advancement in finance and consulting sectors for those who get their foot in the door.
Fast forward five to ten years, and you'd see these grads generally thriving in industries that relate well to their Economics background, often stepping into managerial or senior positions. Many stick with finance and consulting but also venture into tech, healthcare strategy, and partnerships. While there are some who have taken routes in teaching or other creative fields like art direction, the majority seem to gravitate towards positions that leverage their analytical skills and economic training. Overall, it seems like Economics graduates from Stanford land solid jobs relevant to their degree, providing a foundation for fruitful careers, rather than straying too far from their educational roots.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Stanford is definitely challenging, but it’s not just about the difficulty—it’s the intensity and the environment that make it a unique experience. The coursework can be pretty demanding, with a lot of quantitative analysis, complex theories, and rigorous problem-solving involved. If you’re someone who enjoys math and critical thinking, you might find it more manageable, but for others, it could feel pretty overwhelming at times. Since Stanford attracts some of the brightest students from around the globe, the competition can be fierce, which adds another layer to the challenge. Overall, it's not necessarily harder than other elite programs, but it definitely has its moments where you'll need to buckle down and really work for that degree!
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 Stanford grads, it definitely seems like some of them are raking in decent cash, while others are still on their way up the financial ladder. For example, the ones working at big-name companies like Goldman Sachs, Amazon, or Coinbase likely have pretty hefty salaries now, especially as they’ve moved into senior roles. On the flip side, some folks started off as teachers or in internships, which typically don’t pay as much, and they might still be building their careers. Overall, if these grads stick with their paths and keep climbing the ladder, I'd say they have potential to make some solid money in the future!
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 Stanford 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: