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What Can You Do With an Economics Degree?
Our alumni, whose Western degrees include an Economics Module, have secured a wide variety of careers including bank manager, finance manager, fund manager, investment manager, pension manager, marketing director, market researcher, banking advisor, commercial real estate advisor, certified financial planner, credit risk analyst, data analyst, financial analyst, investment banking analyst, portfolio analyst, business consultant, economist, entrepreneur, investor, professor of Economics, professor of Finance.
Below are some of our alumni’s testimonials
See what our former students have to say about how their Western degree helped shape their career paths.
Studying economics at Western gave me a rigorous analytical foundation that I draw on regularly in my work in international development. The program enabled me to build practical skills in quantitative analysis and research design, while also challenging me to question assumptions and derive insights from complex data. My interdisciplinary focus, having also studied International Relations, has allowed me to apply technical and problem-solving skills in real-world settings, designing evaluation frameworks, analyzing program outcomes, and advising on future program strategy. I now work on monitoring & evaluation for a multi-country, donor-funded education project in East Africa. The strong foundation I built through Western’s economics program has opened doors and prepared me to tackle practical challenges across various sectors and geographies.
Laila Ackison, BA Honors Specialization in International Relations, Major in Economics, 2022
Regional Monitoring & Evaluation Consultant at Aga Khan Foundation East Africa
"Western's economics program equipped me with a robust analytical and communicative toolkit while freely exploring my passions. As evidenced through my thesis and other research papers investigating financial inclusion in Latin America, I was challenged to decompose complex problems and synthesize solutions in a safe yet rigorous environment. The support from faculty and other students (in certain cases alumni), truly empowered my success. Overall, this experience prepared me to advise C-Suite and government ministers on critical decisions spanning the financial, tech, natural resources, entertainment, and public sectors. I will always recommend this program to anyone interested in solving complex problems, regardless of whether their interests lay in the private or public sector."
Nicolas Bottger, Dual BA Honors Specialization in Global Economics & HBA, 2022
Senior Advisor to the Minister, Ministry of Energy and Mines, Government of Ontario
https:// www.linkedin.com/in/nicolasbottgerm/
"When I first came to Western, I was planning to pursue business school, but after taking the first- and second-year economics courses, I was drawn in by the engaging material and the quality of the teaching. The Economics program gave me a strong analytical and quantitative foundation, which led to a research assistant role at the Bank of Canada and later to graduate study. The courses were consistently intellectually stimulating, and faculty were incredibly supportive — always willing to meet during office hours and offer guidance. Getting involved in undergraduate research also helped me develop my independent thinking and problem-solving skills. Altogether, these experiences prepared me well for my PhD in Economics at the University of Warwick."
Kyle Eric Boutilier, BA Honors Specialization in Global Economics, 2021
PhD Student in Economics, University of Warwick
"My Economics degree from Western laid a strong foundation for how I approach complex problems, think critically, and communicate ideas clearly. The program helped me connect big-picture economic concepts with real-world decision-making - skills that have been incredibly valuable throughout my career in public policy, research, consulting, and now in financial services. Western’s collaborative learning environment and strong academic grounding gave me the confidence to explore different paths and keep learning along the way." Click on picture to listen to Bing's presentation on her career progression.Click on picture to listen to Bing's presentation on her career progression.
Bing Feng, BA Honors Specialization in Economics, 2014
Manager of Wealth Advice Business Strategy, TD Wealth
"I was drawn to economics for its rigorous empirical framework and its capacity to address a wide range of societal questions. Western’s economics program fosters an exceptional learning environment, giving students plenty of opportunities for growth and academic development. Over the course of my degree, I developed a solid foundation in economic theory and data analysis, culminating in a senior thesis exploring the interaction of politics and environmental policy. This experience prepared me for graduate-level coursework during my Master’s in Economics at UBC. I now continue to pursue research in environmental economics as a pre-doctoral fellow with the Climate Impact Lab at the University of Chicago. The training I received—along with the department’s continued support—has been instrumental in shaping and strengthening my early research career."
Elliot Grenier, BA Honors Specialization in Economics, 2022
Research Professional, University of Chicago, Institute for Climate & Sustainable Growth
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliot-grenier-63b65b196/
"Obtaining my 4-year economics undergraduate degree at Western is one of the best career decisions I have made. It provided a fulfilling combination of intellectual creativity and mathematical rigour, which prepared me for an Ivey MBA and subsequent career as a marketing executive in technology, an AI researcher, author, speaker and active board member with major organizations. Even though I pursued a career in business, I never lost my passion for economics and continue to publish in the area, academically and in practical business books. I highly recommend COMPLETING an economics degree at Western even if your eventual goal is to move into business or another area. The professors and the field of study left a permanent impression on me, one that I value every day!"
Andrew Horton, BA Honors Specialization, 1995 and Ivey MBA 2000
Chief Executive Officer, Human AI Association
Global Director of Marketing and Communications, Teknicor Corporation
My economics degree played a vital role in shaping how I think and problem solve, which has supported me down a career path that has spanned countries and sectors. My Econ degree taught me how to break down complex problems, understand cause and effect across different contexts, and turn data into meaningful insights and solutions. The analytical and structured way of thinking has been the foundation of my career allowing me to adapt across roles, clients and sectors to solve different kinds of problems, develop insightful solutions and recommendations creating impact in a variety of different settings.
Andrea Horvath, BA Honors Specialization in Global Economics, 2014
Manager, Change Management at Blue-Mark Management Consultants
Elaine Jenkins, BA in Economics, 2015
Vice President, Office Leasing at CBRE Limited, Toronto Downtown
My experience in Western’s Economics program played a foundational role in shaping my career in public policy and economic development. The program’s strong emphasis on economic theory, data analysis, and applied research equipped me with the tools to assess complex policy issues. My thesis, which examined the impact of gun laws on firearm-related deaths, was especially formative. It required me to navigate real-world data and apply empirical methods to evaluate policy effectiveness, strengthening both my analytical skills and my interest in evidence-based policymaking. Building on this foundation, I now work at the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, where I contribute to initiatives that support regional economic growth and innovation.
Christian Legault, BA Honors Specialization in Economics, 2020
Economist and Policy Analyst at Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario
Western Economics is a wonderful environment to develop the quantitative and critical thinking skills necessary to become an economist. I was very grateful to take the Honors Economics sequence at Western in my second year, which sparked my interest in pursuing economics as my degree due to the fascinating material and truly outstanding professors. The department was incredibly supportive of students pursuing research through the thesis seminar, provided funding for academic pursuits, and supported me immensely during my applications to PhD programs.
Aaron Leonard, BA Honors Specialization in Economics, 2021
PhD Student in Economics, University of Chicago
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-leonard-366837103/aaronjleonard.github.io
"Western Economics program’s emphasis on fundamental economic theory and quantitative methods, particularly through rigorous courses in econometrics, financial economics, and macroeconomics, shaped my career aspirations towards quantitative finance. My senior thesis, published in the 2023 Western Undergraduate Economics Review Journal, explored the impact of housing prices on household expenditure in Hong Kong, honing my ability to analyze real-world economic issues with precision. This experience, combined with Western’s supportive faculty and collaborative environment, prepared me for advanced studies in the Masters program at UCLA. Now, as a Graduate Analyst in the QIS group at Societe Generale, I apply these skills daily, working closely with financial engineers to design and analyze multi-asset strategies, stay abreast of market movements, and advise solutions to institutional clients. Western’s program not only shaped my technical expertise but also instilled a problem-solving mindset that continues to drive my career in global markets."
Winston J. Liu, BA Honors Specialization in Economics, 2023
Graduate Analyst, Quantitative Investment Strategies, Societe Generale
"The economics program has played a crucial role in shaping my career path bybroadening my perspective beyond the financial markets. Its wide-ranging curriculum has enabled me to understand the subtle and complex relationships between financial and economic factors, allowing me to identify causal links and analyze them critically. Through class presentations, I have significantly improved my oral communication skills, which now allow me to deliver logical, well-structured presentations in the workplace. Additionally, the process of writing my thesis has greatly enhanced my research and information-gathering abilities. The program also gave me the opportunity to participate in the Bank of Canada’s economics paper competition, which further enriched my academic experience. Overall, it has been a transformative and valuable part of my university journey." Click on picture to listen to Tianyuan's presentation on her career progression.
Tianyuan Xie, BA Honors Specialization in Economics, 2023
Analyst, Operational Due Diligence, University Pension Plan Ontario
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-xie-research-analyst/
There is a world of possibilities with a Western Economics Degree!
Where to Apply:
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Charles Rivers Associates |
TD Financial, Manulife Financial |
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BMO Nesbitt Burns, Wood Gundy |
Investment Funds Institute |
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Centre for Global Development |
International Monetary Fund (IMF) |
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World Bank |
Bank of Canada |
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Environment Canada |
Statistics Canada |
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Department of Finance |
Rogers Communications |
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RBC, TD Canada Trust |
Scotia Bank, BMO, CIBC |
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Graduate School (Economics, Law, Finance) |
Industry Canada |
Post-Graduate Studies
There are many post-graduate study opportunities for students who graduate with a degree in Economics. Here you will find links to programs that are popular with students.
Fanshawe College: Graduate and Professional Studies
Graduates from Western Economics have been very successful in the Lawrence Kinlin School of Business' Graduate and Professional Studies programs at Fanshawe College. In particular, the Professional Financial Services program is popular given the high success rates of students acquiring needed financial certifications to enter the personal banking profession after only an 8-month program. For more information, contact Kaitlin Marriott (Pathways Consultant).
