First, some facts. Of the Economics graduates from University of Virginia 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 30 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 63%, Economics graduates from University of Virginia have a slightly lower likelihood (-4%) 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, 56% 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 2021 from University of Virginia with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONFinancial Institution SpecialistFederal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Aug 2021 - 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 look at the job paths of Economics graduates from the University of Virginia, there’s definitely a trend leaning towards finance, law, and consulting roles. Many of them end up as analysts, financial advisors, investment banking associates, and even lawyers. These positions often require strong analytical skills, financial knowledge, or legal understanding, which are areas where an Economics degree shines. For example, roles at companies like Citi, J.P. Morgan, and Deloitte show that many grads are utilizing core principles of economics in structured environments, especially relating to finance and market analysis.
However, it’s not all sunshine and relevance. There are quite a few graduates who strayed into fields that seem only loosely related to economics, like teaching, coaching, or even working in completely non-economics-related areas such as health and fitness. While some of these roles may still tap into skills developed during their degree, like analytical thinking or problem-solving, they don’t apply specific economic knowledge daily. So, overall, while many UVA Economics grads find jobs that align well with their degree, others take a more winding road into areas that don’t directly correlate with their studies. It's a mixed bag, but definitely leaning more toward roles where economics plays a key role.
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 Virginia):
Graduates from the University of Virginia's Economics program seem to have diverse career paths that generally trend towards roles in finance, law, consulting, and analysis. For many, their first jobs after graduation are quite solid; they're often landing roles such as analysts at well-respected firms or even stepping into internships that lead to full-time positions in investment banking or consulting. A typical entry point for many Econ grads appears to be positions that leverage their analytical skills, such as financial analysts, business consultants, or legal associates. It's interesting to note that some graduates start their careers in seemingly unrelated fields, like teaching or personal training, but they later pivot to more economics-focused roles.
Fast forward five to ten years after graduation, many of these alumni have moved up the ladder significantly. There's a clear trend towards advancement, especially in finance and law, with several individuals taking on senior analyst or associate roles at major firms or transitioning into management positions. A number of them even achieve leadership roles, such as Vice President at investment firms or becoming partners in law firms. While there are a few outliers who might be in jobs less directly related to economics, most graduates seem to be thriving in fields that directly capitalize on their economics background. Overall, it looks like a strong degree that opens up a lot of doors for a successful career trajectory.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Economics can be a bit of a mixed bag, and it often leans toward the challenging side, especially at a competitive school like the University of Virginia. While you’ll encounter some interesting topics, like how markets work and what influences economic policy, the coursework can get pretty heavy with math and statistics, which can trip up some students. Plus, economics involves a lot of theoretical concepts that can be tough to wrap your head around. That said, if you have a good grasp of math and enjoy analyzing data, you might find it manageable. Just be prepared to put in some solid study hours and engage with the material to really get the most out of it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Economics.
Looking at these University of Virginia grads, it seems like many of them have landed pretty decent jobs that likely pay well, especially those in finance or legal fields. For instance, the folks who moved up the ranks at firms like Point72 and Citi likely pulled in solid salaries, with potential bonuses that could boost their earnings even more. On the other hand, there are some who have taken jobs that might not pay as much, like teaching or personal training, but hey, it’s all about what makes you happy, right? Overall, it looks like a mixed bag, but many seem to be on paths that could lead to comfortable earnings down the line.
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 Virginia). 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: