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Better study economics or finance? Which one has more job options?

I have to choose between economics and finance, but it comes really hard to me. According to me finance is more practical and simple, and economics is harder, more theorical. What matters is the job. I mostly like economics, but I don't know if it has a lot of job options for that. Can an economist do the financier s job or be a simple worker in a bank? #finance #economics #banking #financial-analysis #economic-research #global-economics

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Richard’s Answer

Yes, at top colleges economics students routinely work in finance, while finance students seldom attend PhD programs in Economics.

However, if your school has a strong finance school, you'll likely struggle to compete for placement in finance jobs if you don't do it.
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Evan’s Answer

Selfishly, I want to say Economics as someone with an Econ degree. You can't go wrong with either though. I've always felt that Econ gives a broader background about how markets work, how you make decisions, how governments make decisions that effect you on a daily basis, and how to understand incentives and problem solving. Finance will give you more technical skills like how do companies make decisions, how do we put capital to work, how to look at investments and returns, etc. Overall, they both can provide valuable skills across numerous sectors of businesses and you're bound to pick up a little of both throughout your career.
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Jeremy’s Answer

Finance. You said that what matters is the job. You are correct that finance is more practical (not simpler though). And, that economics is more theoretical. If it is the end result of obtaining knowledge for a real-world job, then finance is the way to go. Economists tend to lean more towards teaching, publishing, advising, etc. . .While finance majors tend to work the more "standard" jobs.
That being said, you can get a good job with either degree (I graduated with a Poli Sci degree and have been working in finance for over 20 years now).

Hope that helps and good luck!
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Julia’s Answer

A financial degree will probably give you more options in terms of jobs. Although the two are similar some financial jobs will not accept an economics degree and specifically want finance or math. That being said, an economics degree can open up a lot of different options in research, international organizations like the World Bank, or some private sector. I have an economics degree and have worked in all three I mentioned. You may consider going a economics degree + CFA.
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Rose’s Answer

Many Finance roles are filled by people with Economics degrees. Functions that may utilize an economics background include strategic planning, M&A, pricing, demand planning, forecasting, budgeting, product management, marketing operations, and resource management.
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Qiang (John)’s Answer

Finance is good for sure, you may gain some accounting knowledge. Econ is good, you may become more quantatitive. Depends on your math skill, personal interest. Finance plus CFA and CPA will be perfect. Or MS in economics plus CFA or FRM can be very strong.
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Helen’s Answer

yes they both deal with money which means you can work in a bank handling finances
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Steven’s Answer

Personally view finance as better option, just based on your broad question. Finance work is more broad itself and touches on so many areas, some mentioned above. Economics gets pretty narrow - in my experience - and might be somewhat limiting at the margin. Anyway, either are strong choices and you use minor/other credits to fill in areas of interest. Good luck!
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