Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

• Conduct research and develop models to analyze, explain and forecast economic behaviour and patterns, and devise methods for collection and analysis of data

• Forecast production and consumption of specific products and services based on records of past production and consumption and general economic and industry-specific conditions

• Prepare forecasts of income and expenditure, interest rates and exchange rates

• Analyze factors which determine economic growth and advise government agencies on policies to increase economic activities

• Analyze factors which determine labour force participation, employment, wages, unemployment and other labour market outcomes

• Study mathematical formulae and statistical techniques and apply them to the testing and quantifying of economic theories and the solution of economic problems

• Study the nature of money, credit and the operation of banks and other financial institutions to develop monetary policies and forecasts of financial activity

• Monitor economic data to assess the effectiveness, and advise on the appropriateness, of monetary and fiscal policies

• Examine problems related to the economic activity of individual companies

• Examine financial methods, production costs and techniques and marketing policies to recommend possible improvements

• Examine statistical data on the exchange of goods and services among nations

• Forecast production and consumption of renewable resources and supply, consumption and depletion of non-renewable resources

• Conduct research on market conditions in local, regional or national area to set sales and pricing levels for goods and services, to assess market potential and future trends and to develop business strategies

• Monitor regional and local economic trends

• Study regulatory processes and provide material in support of legal proceedings with government and other parties.

• A master's degree in economics or in a related discipline such as business administration or statistics is usually required.

• A doctorate in economics may be required.

• Progression to managerial positions in economics is possible with experience.