First, some facts. Of the Economics graduates from University of California, Riverside 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 14 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 48%, Economics graduates from University of California, Riverside have a much lower likelihood (-19%) 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 28% 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: 0%We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2022 from University of California, Riverside with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Economics. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONRetail Sales AssociateGalls, LLC Aug 2022 - Present 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 career paths of recent graduates from the University of California, Riverside with a degree in Economics, it’s pretty clear that there's a mix of job types, but many of them don’t directly relate to economics. A lot of graduates ended up in roles like IT support, network engineering, and customer service, which generally focus more on technical or administrative tasks rather than applying economic principles. Some even ventured into fields like human resources and administration where they might touch on economic concepts, but it's not their main focus. For example, positions such as Recruiter or Human Resources Generalist may involve understanding workforce economics, but the core skills from an economics degree are not central to the daily responsibilities.
On the flip side, there are also notable instances where alumni secured roles that align closely with their economics training, especially in finance and data analysis. Positions like Mortgage Underwriter, Data Analyst, and even certain roles in HR management tap into key economic concepts like risk assessment, financial analysis, and labor economics. Those who found themselves in the finance and analytical side of the job market were much more likely to use the skills and knowledge they gained in their studies. Overall, while a significant number of graduates have landed in jobs that aren't directly tied to economics, those who ventured into finance, analysis, or strategic roles saw a better fit with their education. It just goes to show that your degree can take you in many directions, some of which might surprise you!
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 University of California, Riverside):
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from UC Riverside with a degree in Economics, it seems like there's a mix of paths taken, especially in their early careers. Many of them start off in roles that aren't directly related to Economics, such as IT support, customer service, or retail sales. For instance, some graduates took jobs as network engineers or customer service representatives right after college, which might indicate they were exploring different fields before settling into their professional identities. As they gather experience, some seem to find their way into positions that lean more into analytical or financial roles, like underwriters or data analysts, demonstrating a shift towards careers that are more aligned with their Economics background over time.
By the five- to ten-year mark, things start to look a bit more promising. Graduates from the more recent classes appear to be moving into roles like Business Analyst, Data Analyst, and various levels of underwriting that show growth and development in areas relevant to their degree. It's worth noting, though, that there are still some individuals who's jobs don’t directly correlate with Economics, suggesting that not all graduates find their ideal roles right out of school or may choose to pivot into different industries. Overall, while there are some success stories, it also seems that many graduates initially settle for roles that might not fully utilize their Economics training, gradually shifting towards more relevant positions as they gain experience.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at UC Riverside can be a bit of a mixed bag—it really depends on your strengths and interests. If you enjoy math and are good with analytical thinking, you might find the coursework manageable and even enjoyable. The classes can range from straightforward to pretty challenging, especially when you delve into theories and statistical methods. Compared to some other majors, it might be a bit tougher due to the heavy emphasis on quantitative skills, but it’s definitely not the hardest degree out there. So, if you’re willing to put in the effort and engage with the material, you’ll probably get through it just fine!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Economics.
So, looking at these Economics grads from UC Riverside, it seems like they’re doing pretty well, at least when you consider the range of jobs they have. The ones who got into tech and finance, like network engineers and underwriters, likely pull in solid salaries, especially as they move up in their roles. Some roles, like the data analysts and the paralegal, might not be as high-paying right off the bat, but they've got room for growth. Then there are a couple of folks still starting out in retail and educational roles, which probably aren't raking in the bucks just yet. Overall, it seems like a mixed bag, but many of them are on paths that could lead to decent earnings with 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 University of California, Riverside). 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: