First, some facts. Of the Economics graduates from University of Iowa 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 13 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 57%, Economics graduates from University of Iowa have a lower likelihood (-10%) 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 23% 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: 91%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2023 from University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA in Economics. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONQuantitative Analyst InternIowa City Area Development Group May 2023 - Aug 2023 Teach Assistant, Economics The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business Aug 2023 - Present Transportation Planner Internship Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization May 2024 - Present ABOUTI am a first-year graduate student at the University of Iowa, working towards a Master's degree in Public Affairs with a specialization in Public Policy and Transportation within the School of Planning and Public Affairs. My academic journey commenced at the University of Iowa, where I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) in Analytical Economics, alongside a certificate in International Business, with a particular focus on Eastern Europe.My current research interests revolve around understanding the economic dynamics of labor markets, with a particular emphasis on how underdeveloped countries can enhance the resilience and effectiveness of their labor markets to enhance economic development. |
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 from the University of Iowa with a degree in Economics, it's clear that a mix of positions spans various fields. The most common roles include banking positions like Financial Analysts, Loan Servicing Specialists, and roles involving data analysis, which directly relate to economic principles. For instance, jobs such as Associate Financial Analyst and Equity Research Analyst strongly utilize the skills learned in an economics program, like financial analysis and understanding market dynamics. However, many graduates find themselves in positions that don’t align closely with their degree, such as customer service roles, management positions in non-economic fields, or creative jobs like photography or skydiving instruction, which tend to underutilize their economics background.
Overall, while there are definitely some prominent economics-related jobs, a significant portion of graduates end up in roles that are either only tangentially related to economics or completely unrelated. This suggests that while a degree in Economics provides valuable skills, many graduates apply them in broader contexts or industries that don’t directly require economic principles. So, while some alumni leap into careers that scream “economics” loud and clear, others find themselves navigating paths that don’t really tap into the knowledge they gained in college.
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 Iowa):
Looking at the career trajectories of University of Iowa graduates in Economics, it seems like they are doing pretty well overall, especially when you consider their first jobs after graduation. Many of them jump straight into roles that have some relevance to economics, finance, or data analysis. For example, positions like financial analyst, loan servicing specialist, and data analyst pop up frequently. This suggests that right after graduating, a lot of these individuals found themselves getting into jobs that utilize their economics background, which is a good sign.
Fast-forward five to ten years down the line, and many graduates have moved into more senior positions or specialized roles, often within the finance or data analysis spheres. For instance, we see several individuals climbing the ranks at companies like Nalco and JPMorgan Chase, transitioning from analyst roles to managerial or specialized positions. However, not everyone followed this traditional path; some took detours into fields like event hosting or customer service, which might not closely relate to their economics degree. Overall, while a significant number of graduates seem to be building successful careers in relevant fields, there's also a notable portion that has ended up in jobs that don’t directly leverage their economics education. So, it's a mixed bag, but there are definitely bright spots that show many are finding their way into solid careers!
A Bachelor's degree in Economics can be a mix of challenging and manageable, and while I don't have the specific scoop on the University of Iowa, in general, it tends to be on the tougher side compared to some other degrees. You’ll be diving into concepts like micro and macroeconomics, statistics, and possibly econometrics, which can require some solid math skills and analytical thinking. If you enjoy problem-solving and thinking critically about how things work in the world, you might find it engaging. But if numbers and theories aren't really your thing, it could be a bit of a grind. Overall, it’s not the easiest path, but it's definitely doable with the right mindset and study habits!
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 the University of Iowa, it seems like they’ve had a pretty mixed bag in terms of money made. Some have climbed the corporate ladder and landed solid positions, especially those who stuck around at companies like Nalco and JPMorgan, suggesting a decent salary along the way. Others, like the skydiving instructors and photographers, might not have hit the financial jackpot, depending on how steady the income was in those gigs. Overall, while some are definitely doing well, others seem to be in jobs that might not pay as well, so it's a bit of a mixed picture!
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 Iowa). 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: