Prospects of an economics degree

[fyrestorm]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hey I hope u manage to read this reply on time.

If u have the chance, switch to Business degree on ANY local uni instead of studying economics. The inequality between business degree and economics degree in Singapore is great. Why not go to SMU? NUS Economics is known for being very academic and many many of my friends is suffering and not finding job.

I have just recently graduated from NUS.

I did appeal to NBS as a backup (Got an offer from them last week). It does seem that econs doesn't offer great prospects, a pity since it is something I quite enjoy. Thanks for the advice!

[fyrestorm]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I am an alumni. Econs is a general degree. Unless you are really good at it and end up being an economist, i would advise you to major in more specialised area. I was an average student so i end up at a job any general degree can do which makes finding job difficult as well.

Hi. Thanks for the advice. I do enjoy econs but unfortunately, the job prospects of the degree is more important to me as I come from a family with relatively low income. I will be choosing NBS instead (appealed and got an offer from them).

[fyrestorm]

Originally Posted by Lazycat

Congratulations on getting into NUS.

It's true that some degrees have higher chance of getting a well-paying job, such as law, medicine, and computer science (nowadays). So I wonder why did you plan to major in economics if you are fearful of failing to find work according to 'some people'? I think there are plenty of opportunities for economics graduates if you are not looking for a role that demand specialised skills, say an accountant or an engineer. The only exception for a technical role of course is an economist!

Could you share what sectors you want to enter - and please don't say finance or investment banks!

Unfortunately, I do plan on working at banks haha

Your major does not matter as much as you might think.

Generally, most employers have a hierarchy when it comes to hiring and it is as per below:

Brand name uni > Grades > Major (preference for demanding and rigorous majors in some companies)

So in all likelihood, a Harvard Lit graduate with Cum Laude would stand a better shot with Mckinsey than a local grad with FCH in econs.

[jjason]

if i am 18, i would probably have gone for the usual big earning degrees.

but if not i would have gone for nursing or sit x ray technician, work in sg 3 years, move to aus, work there 3 years, move to usa, work there 3 years, move to canada, japan, nz...these jobs are so in demand u get to pick and choose where u wanna work and they give u a scholarsihp like for free lol.

Just want to share the current career path of my peers (and myself) that graduated from NUS Economics in 2011-12 (Honours included).

Those that did 3 Years (myself included):
Buy-side M&A
JC (Economics) Teacher
Insurance (freelance) agent
DXO (not sure his role)
MAS policy research
Bank Ops (settlement, KYC)
Trader (base metals)
EDB (scholarship)
Baker (she found her passion thereafter)

After being in the working world for 7 years, i regretted taking Econs instead of Business or Finance as i used them more in my current career.

Originally Posted by PasserbyA

*Those that did 4 years:* <------------ Updated category
MAS policy research
...

Updated the category to include those that did honours

Originally Posted by fyrestorm

Unfortunately, I do plan on working at banks haha

What bank role are you interested?

Originally Posted by PasserbyA

Just want to share the current career path of my peers (and myself) that graduated from NUS Economics in 2011-12 (Honours included).

Those that did 3 Years (myself included):
Buy-side M&A
JC (Economics) Teacher
Insurance (freelance) agent
DXO (not sure his role)
MAS policy research
Bank Ops (settlement, KYC)
Trader (base metals)
EDB (scholarship)
Baker (she found her passion thereafter)
Implementation of payment systems (banks)

After being in the working world for 7 years, i regretted taking Econs instead of Business or Finance as i used them more in my current career.

adding my role since i also grad from nus fass econs in 2012.

Sorry to hijack the thread. I’m a local U law grad with second lower who’s trying to pivot into the banking industry. Aside from compliance, what other routes can I take? I realise I’ll have to do either MO, BO or sales so any input would be much appreciated!