Economist

The role of an Economist is to study and analyse the production and distribution of resources, good and services (within the private and/or public sector) through data collection and analysis, researching trends and evaluating economic issues. Economists are often also involved in researching and developing economic theories and policies.

In order to become an Economist, you will have to obtain, at minimum, an undergraduate degree (3 years) majoring in economics, as well as an honours degree in economics (1 year). An Economics major can be done as part of a Bachelor of Social Science degree, a Bachelor of Commerce degree or a Business Science degree. An Economics Honours degree can only be obtained through the commerce faculty. Further study, such as a Masters degree, is often required, or at the very least beneficial, for more senior positions.  

Unless working on a part-time or consultancy basis, an Economist will generally work the usual 8-5 day.

On average, an Economist will earn R294 000 per year (R24 500 per month). This amount will be dependant on experience and qualification level, as well as the sector that you are working in.

In broad terms, an Economist will fulfill some of the following tasks:

• Design and conduct research to identify trends, formulate forecast models.
• Advise the government, agencies, corporations, and/or banks about the adoption of financial policies.
• Compile reports and illustrations of research findings.
• Devise methods for data collection, sampling, and processing in regard to finance, labor, agriculture, commodities, trade, etc.