First, some facts. Of the Economics graduates from University of Maryland 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 23 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 65%, Economics graduates from University of Maryland 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, 52% 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: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2019 from University of Maryland with a Bachelor's of Arts in Economics. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONWholesale Credit Program AnalystWells Fargo Jul 2019 - Jan 2020 Financial Analyst - Middle Market Wells Fargo Jan 2020 - Jul 2020 Senior Financial Analyst - Middle Market Wells Fargo Jul 2020 - Aug 2021 Portfolio Manager - Middle Market Wells Fargo Aug 2021 - Jan 2022 Senior Analyst - Mid-Corporate Wells Fargo Jan 2022 - Jan 2023 Associate - Mid-Corporate Wells Fargo Jan 2023 - Present ABOUTUniversity of Maryland Class of 2019 Alumni. B.A. in Economics |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the job profiles of graduates from the University of Maryland's Economics program, a clear trend emerges: many of them seem to find themselves in roles that don't heavily leverage their economics training. Positions range from customer development roles and sales positions to various types of management jobs in completely different sectors, like arts and retail. While some of these jobs might touch on economic concepts—like understanding market dynamics or consumer behavior—they often don't necessitate a solid foundation in economics or direct application of economic theories learned in school. In simpler terms, while some connections exist, there’s a noticeable gap between their degrees and the jobs they ultimately end up in.
On the flip side, there are standout examples as well. A handful of graduates do secure positions where their economics knowledge is essential, particularly in finance, consulting, and analytical roles. Jobs like Economic Analyst at KPMG or positions in financial services at Bank of America Merrill Lynch rightfully draw on the analytical and theoretical foundations built during their studies. However, these roles seem to be less common in the overall spectrum of jobs held by these graduates. It’s a bit of a mixed bag—many alumni seem to branch out into various fields, sometimes using their degree as a stepping stone, even if they aren’t directly related to economics. As a result, if you're leaning toward majoring in Economics, it might be wise to consider how that knowledge can apply broadly, but also stay open to diverse career paths post-graduation.
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 Maryland):
When looking at the career trajectories of Economics graduates from the University of Maryland, it's clear that there's a pretty diverse mix of paths they take. Right after graduation, many of them are landing roles in sales, customer development, or support functions across various industries. It seems like a common first step involves positions like sales representatives or customer service roles, which can sometimes feel a bit disconnected from the core of economics. However, these roles often provide valuable experience, especially in understanding market dynamics and customer behavior.
Fast forward five to ten years, and you can really see a shift. A good number of alumni are moving into more specialized and relevant positions in finance, consulting, or economic analysis. By the five-year mark, roles at major firms like Bank of America, KPMG, and Amazon pop up, indicating that these graduates have leveraged their initial experiences to pivot into more analytical and impactful roles. Some even wind up in positions like economists or policy analysts, which are closely tied to their economics training. So while the journey might start with roles that seem less relevant, it looks like many of these grads do find their way into meaningful careers that utilize their economics background. All in all, it paints a pretty promising picture for those studying economics at Maryland!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Economics can be a bit of a mixed bag, even at a school like the University of Maryland. It’s definitely not the easiest degree out there, as it involves a lot of math, statistics, and critical thinking. You’ll be diving into concepts like micro and macroeconomics, which can get pretty complex. Some students find the theoretical stuff challenging, while others enjoy it. If you’re good with numbers and have a knack for problem-solving, you might find it manageable, but if math isn’t your strong suit, it could feel tougher than average. Overall, it’s a solid degree that requires dedication and effort, but if you’re passionate about the subject, it can be really rewarding!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Economics.
Based on what I've seen from the jobs these University of Maryland graduates have held, it seems like a mixed bag when it comes to earnings. Some people, especially those who landed roles at big firms like Amazon and Bank of America or continued climbing up in financial services like T. Rowe Price and Wells Fargo, have likely hit some decent paychecks and solid career growth. Others took on positions in sales, teaching, or management at smaller companies, which probably didn’t pay as well. Overall, graduates from the more recent years seem to be landing solid roles in big companies and might be earning good salaries, but it’s tough to say definitively just how rich everyone is. It really varies depending on the path they chose after school!
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 Maryland). 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: