First, some facts. Of the Economics graduates from University of Michigan 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 51 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 73%, Economics graduates from University of Michigan have a higher likelihood (+6%) 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 31% 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: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Economics. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONProduct ManagerCummins Inc. Jul 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 we take a look at the career paths of University of Michigan Economics graduates, we can see that many of them have gravitated towards roles in finance, consulting, and analysis. A significant number of graduates have landed in investment banking and financial analysis positions, where they can directly apply their understanding of economic theories. These careers often involve financial modeling, market analysis, and economic forecasting, which are heavily tied to what they studied during their degrees. For instance, roles like Vice President or Director at major banks like Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse are prime examples where an Economics background is not just beneficial; it's essentially foundational.
However, not all job titles seem to align neatly with an Economics degree. Some graduates found themselves in positions that are more distanced from the fundamental principles of economics. For instance, roles in teaching, project management, or even some positions in legal firms don't leverage the core knowledge they gained. While these positions may utilize some transferable skills, they often don’t require deep economic understanding or analytical prowess daily. As seen in various profiles, opportunities like being a summer associate at a law firm or working in sales management may not directly apply Economics knowledge, evidenced by the skills and focus required for these roles.
Despite the mixed relevance of job titles, a notable trend is that analytical skills—honed during the Economics program—seem to play a crucial role across diverse fields. Many graduates could still leverage the quantitative and analytical skills gained from their studies, whether in tech, education, or health care fields. For instance, positions like data analysts and policy analysts do incorporate economic reasoning, albeit indirectly and often focused on specific industry metrics rather than broader economic principles. Overall, it appears that while many Economics graduates land in finance-related careers that utilize their knowledge extensively, others may find themselves in less directly relevant jobs where they still apply analytical thinking in different contexts. This highlights both the versatility of an Economics degree and the varying degrees of its direct applicability in different career paths.
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 Michigan):
Graduates from the University of Michigan's Economics program tend to experience solid career trajectories, especially in the first few years after graduation. Many of them land impressive roles in finance and consulting right out of college, which are disciplines closely related to their degree. From positions like Summer Analysts, Associates, or Junior Roles at top firms such as Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, and various consulting firms, it's clear that these graduates leverage their education effectively. A peek into their early careers shows a strong inclination toward financial services and analytics, with many starting off as analysts or entry-level associates.
Fast forward five to ten years later, a lot of these graduates have moved up the corporate ladder significantly. Those who started in investment banking often see their titles evolve into Director or Managing Director positions at top firms, while others move into senior roles in analytics, data science, or project management. Several graduates have also ventured into entrepreneurial paths, founding startups or consulting firms. However, it should be noted that not all graduates follow this successful trajectory. Some have taken less conventional routes, ending up in roles like teachers or project managers in less lucrative sectors, which can seem disconnected from their Economics background. This broad spectrum characterizes a mixed bag of outcomes for graduates.
Overall, the majority trend positively towards successful and relevant careers in Economics-related fields, with a notable percentage climbing the corporate ladder or taking entrepreneurial initiatives. This suggests that while there are varied paths post-graduation, the foundational Economics degree from a prestigious university like Michigan generally positions graduates well for the working world. It’s encouraging to see most graduates still aligned with their field, getting involved in finance, consulting, and other sectors where their skills can shine and grow over time.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at the University of Michigan isn’t a walk in the park, but it's not impossible either. It’s pretty challenging on average, with a mix of math-heavy courses and theoretical concepts that can be tough to wrap your head around. You’ll deal with statistics, calculus, and a lot of economic theory that requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills. That said, if you're interested in the subject, it can be really engaging and fulfilling, and the professors are generally supportive. Just be prepared to put in some serious study time and stay on top of your assignments!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Economics.
When you look at the careers of these University of Michigan economics graduates, it’s pretty clear that many have landed solid roles, especially in finance, consulting, and tech. For instance, graduates who started at companies like Latham & Watkins, Deutsche Bank, and Credit Suisse typically have the potential to pull in six-figure salaries. Over the years, a lot of them moved up the ladder to director or even partner positions, which usually means they're not just doing well but making some serious bank. It’s safe to say that these folks have done quite well financially, especially the ones who stuck with investment banking or top law firms.
On the flip side, there are graduates who took paths that might not have led to the same high earnings. For example, those who worked in teaching or took a more unconventional route like being freelance consultants or working in nonprofits may not see the same financial perks. While they might love what they do, the pay likely isn't as high as those in finance or law. Overall, this mix shows that having a degree from a respected university like Michigan can open many doors, but where you walk through those doors can lead to quite different financial outcomes.
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 Michigan). 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: