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What can you do with a Economics degree from University of Southern California?

First, some facts. Of the Economics graduates from University of Southern California 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 24 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 65%, Economics graduates from University of Southern California have a slightly lower likelihood (-2%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 65%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 45% 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:

View a random Economics graduate from University of Southern California and our analysis:

Relevance score: 100%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2017 from University of Southern California with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Data Analyst
Ative Group
Jul 2017 - May 2018
As a Data Analyst, this position leverages analytical skills and economic concepts directly connected to the individual's Bachelor's degree in Economics, requiring substantial use of related knowledge on a daily basis.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
University of California, Riverside
2018 - 2024
ABOUT

In the realm of industry-focused roles, my unique qualifications stem from a robust combination of advanced machine learning expertise, applied economic analysis, comprehensive database knowledge, and strong programming skills. My academic journey, including a Ph.D. in Economics, has been augmented by hands-on experience in employing data-driven methodologies to tackle real-world economic challenges.My proficiency in machine learning is evidenced by my adeptness in nonparametric estimation, OCR text recognition, and the use of large language models for data conversion and analysis. This expertise is complemented by my practical experience in economic analysis, where I have successfully applied these techniques to understand and interpret complex economic phenomena, as demonstrated in my research on economic and labor market outcomes in China post-COVID.Additionally, my work in developing and mining extensive datasets showcases my database management skills, crucial for handling large-scale data in industry settings. My programming acumen, particularly in R and Python, enables me to efficiently process and analyze data, providing actionable insights for decision-making.In essence, my background equips me with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in machine learning, economic analysis, and data management, making me a valuable asset for industry positions that require deep analytical and technical expertise.

What jobs can you get with a Economics degree from University of Southern California?

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 people who graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of Southern California, it’s pretty clear that many of them have ended up in roles that are somewhat related to their studies. A lot of these jobs are in business development, marketing, and finance—positions that do utilize economic concepts, even if they aren't purely focused on economic theory. For example, roles like Financial Analyst and BSA Analyst make sense for Economics majors because they involve financial modeling and data analysis, which directly relate to the skills learned in an economics program. Even positions like Associate Attorney might superficially seem unrelated, they can benefit from understanding economic implications in legal contexts. Still, many jobs, especially in marketing or less analytical roles, tend to focus more on general business skills than on the core principles of economics.

Overall, while there are certainly examples of Economics grads landing jobs that heavily use their degree, a significant portion of them have taken paths where their economics education is more of a background skill rather than the focal point of their responsibilities. So, it looks like having an Economics degree is valuable in the job market, but not every job ends up applying those economic concepts directly or prominently. In fact, many of the roles are more about general business acumen and soft skills than the intricate theories and analyses you might think would be necessary. It’s a mixed bag, showcasing both the versatility of an Economics degree and the reality that not every job will let you flex those economic muscles every day.

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 Southern California):

What kind of career trajectories do Economics graduates from University of Southern California have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

The graduates from the University of Southern California who have earned a degree in Economics seem to have carved out some pretty interesting career paths. Right after graduating, many of them start off in roles that are quite diverse, ranging from marketing and business development to financial analysis and even legal positions. Common first jobs include positions like Marketing Interns, Analysts, or Associates, which set the stage for them to gain the essential skills and experiences needed in the workforce. You’ll find a lot of them have moved into more specialized roles within just a few years, like Financial Analysts, Consultants, or even Co-Founders of their own companies. This shows that they’re leveraging their economics background to enter industries that require analytical thinking and strategic planning.

Fast forward five to ten years down the line, many of these alumni often find themselves in solid positions across various sectors. A fair number transition into higher-level roles such as Vice Presidents, Directors, or Partners at reputable firms. Some have moved into really impressive positions in large corporations like BlackRock or have established successful entrepreneurial ventures. There are a fair few who have ventured into law or consulting, demonstrating the versatility of an Economics degree. Overall, it looks like USC Economics grads generally end up in careers that are not just stable but also relevant to their education, with many successfully navigating their way into senior roles or specialized fields. So if you’re thinking about pursuing this path, it seems like a good bet for a promising career ahead!

How hard is a Economics degree from University of Southern California?

A Bachelor's degree in Economics at the University of Southern California can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you enjoy math and statistics, you'll probably find it a bit easier to grasp the concepts. The program dives deep into both theoretical and practical aspects of economics, so you'll be doing a fair amount of reading, problem-solving, and even writing papers. Overall, it’s not the easiest degree out there, but it’s manageable with some dedication and a genuine interest in the subject. Just be ready to put in the work, and you’ll likely find it rewarding as you uncover how the economy works!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Economics.

Do Economics graduates from University of Southern California tend to make good money?

Looking at these USC Economics grads, it seems like a good number of them have snagged decent jobs that suggest they're making a solid living. You’ve got folks who have climbed the corporate ladder quickly, like the Vice Presidents at CBRE and Trans-Continental, who probably rake in a nice six-figure salary. Even those in more consulting or analytical roles, like at BlackRock and PwC, are likely doing pretty well given those firms are known for compensating their employees nicely. Of course, there are some starting positions and internships which may not pay as much, but overall it looks like a majority are on a path to making good money. So, if you're thinking about doing something similar, it seems like a degree from USC can really pay off!

What buzzwords do Economics graduates use to describe themselves?

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 Southern California). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Economics?

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:

College Score Count
University of Chicago 83 22
Northwestern University 80 26
Middlebury College 79 13
Davidson College 79 11
Miami University 78 10
Columbia University in the City of New York 78 10
University of Notre Dame 75 11
University of Maryland College Park 74 32
Villanova University 74 14
Dartmouth College 74 16
Indiana University Bloomington 73 15
University of Michigan 73 51
University of California, Berkeley 73 56
The University of Texas at Dallas 73 12
Boston College 73 33
Harvard University 73 20
The Ohio State University 72 26
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 72 26
Binghamton University 72 18
Rutgers UniversityNew Brunswick 71 11
Hillsdale College 71 13
Penn State University 70 51
Clemson University 70 17
University of Utah 70 19
University of Minnesota 70 13
Duke University 70 13
The University of Texas at Austin 69 44
Michigan State University 69 33
The University of Georgia 69 12
University of Pennsylvania 69 18
Yale University 69 15
Florida International University 68 18
Hamilton College 68 14
University of North Texas 67 14
Brigham Young University 67 26
University of California, Los Angeles 67 44
Colorado State University 67 15
Boston University 67 13
University of Massachusetts, Amherst 67 10
Vanderbilt University 67 19
Arizona State University 66 30
UC Santa Barbara 66 19
William & Mary 66 11
University of Massachusetts Boston 66 10
College of the Holy Cross 66 17
University of South Florida 65 15
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 65 24
James Madison University 65 11
University of Colorado Boulder 65 26
University of Southern California 65 24
University of Maryland 65 23
Syracuse University 65 11
University of California, San Diego 65 15
Fordham University 65 15
Stanford University 65 12
University of Wisconsin-Madison 64 48
University of Houston 64 19
San Diego State University-California State University 64 13
University of Florida 63 35
New York University 63 37
University of Virginia 63 30
University of Connecticut 63 23
University of California San Diego 63 11
Texas A&M University 62 46
University of Pittsburgh 62 20
Northeastern University 61 16
Cornell University 61 18
University of Miami 61 14
University at Albany, SUNY 61 18
University of California, Davis 60 33
University of California, Santa Cruz 60 11
University at Buffalo 60 16
Virginia Commonwealth University 59 11
Texas Christian University 59 16
Tufts University 59 10
Spelman College 59 12
Occidental College 59 11
Florida State University 58 37
University of Oregon 58 24
UC Irvine 58 13
Stony Brook University 58 10
The George Washington University 58 14
Emory University 58 11
University of Iowa 57 13
Santa Clara University 57 11
University of Washington 56 29
Rutgers University 56 15
Loyola Marymount University 56 11
University of Central Florida 55 12
University of Arizona 55 16
University of Hawaii at Manoa 55 12
Southern Methodist University 55 13
Georgia State University 54 17
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 54 16
Denison University 54 13
California State University-Sacramento 53 19
George Mason University 53 22
University of Delaware 53 11
San Diego State University 51 17
Northern Illinois University 51 12
University of California, Irvine 51 10
University of Georgia - Terry College of Business 51 10
Queens College 50 16
The University of Texas at Arlington 48 12
University of California, Riverside 48 14
North Carolina State University 46 10
San Jose State University 45 16
University of Nevada-Las Vegas 44 10
Baruch College 44 11
Wake Forest University 44 11
University of South Carolina 38 10
Temple University 35 11
United States Military Academy at West Point 23 15