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| Bsc/B.A. Economics |
What is a Bachelor Of Economics? (Arts/Science)
The study of economics (Econ) is central to an understanding of business, markets, trade, government policies, international issues, health, development, and the environment. Economics deals with the production, distribution, consumption and management of goods and services. It explores how decisions made by producers, consumers, businesses and governments affect our society. The program focuses on resource allocation and decision making. Graduates are equipped to work on important policy and decision challenges in business and government.
Related: Bachelor of Computer Science
The Economics major builds problem-solving skills that are applicable to careers in business and government. It will teach you how to analyze and interpret data and equip you with the tools to find smart solutions for the numerous problems confronting governments and the commercial world. The skills you develop will enable you to undertake analytical and research tasks, to think abstractly and logically using mathematical and statistical methods, and to communicate complex concepts and ideas in simple & intuitive ways.
Study Areas
As a BEcon student, you can pursue individual interests and professional specializations through a wide choice of courses. Study areas available include micro & macroeconomics; economic history; econometrics; economic statistics; environmental and resource economics; financial markets; labour economics; health economics; international trade and development. Because of the importance of quantitative skills to economists, courses in mathematics, statistics and econometrics are part of the major.
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Careers Opportunities
Graduates obtain employment in a range of fields depending on areas of specialisation and interest,including international consulting & development; business & management, government policies, finance and insurance, teaching & education, infrastructure development and planning; environmental management; international finance; investment and trade; natural resource and agricultural economics; public health; treasury and statistics.
Employment opportunities exist in the following areas:
a) Government Departments and agencies
Kenyan and overseas governments provide many career paths for economists. Graduates can work in departments such Finance, Treasury, the Kenya Bureau of Statistics, the Central Bank etc Economists are also much in demand in other government departments dealing with issues such as Trade, Education, Employment and Social Security.
Related: Bachelor Of Commerce (BCOM)
b) Business and Management
Firms recruit economists because their advice is vital to businesses in understanding their business environment, how competitors react, and how changes in things such as interest rates, oil prices, exchange rates and consumer demand are likely to affect the business. Consultancy and accounting firms employ economists to advise their clients which include both private firms and governments.
c) International Agencies
International agencies such as the World Bank, International monetary funds (IMF), World Health Org (WHO), United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and Oxfam recruit economists to advise them on the effects of policy changes, financial crises and conflicts in one part of the global economy on another
d) Resource and Environmental Economist
Economists are employed to study natural resource use and environmental problems and their relationship to economic behaviour. Employers include mining firms and regulatory agencies. Economists contribute to the better management of natural resources and improving the global environment.
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e) Schools and Universities
There is a thriving national and international market for academic economists in High Schools ,Colleges and Universities.
f) Finance and Banking
Financial institutions including stockbroking, investment firms, SACCOs, insurance Co., Banks, and in particular the Central Bank of Kenya, actively recruit economists to advise them on the state of the economy and on risks from factors such as interest rate changes and exchange rate movements.
Career Options
This program provides a great foundation for a wide range of careers. These includes:
Business Consultant, Financial & Business Advisor/Analyst, statistician, Economist, Researcher, Business/Project Manager, Investment Manager, Quantitative Analyst, Risk Manager, Statistician, Stockbroker, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser, Banker, Business Data Analyst, Project Officer, Foreign Affairs, Business Manager, Data Analyst, Administrator, Banker e.t.c
Could you be an Economist?
The course is suitable for students who are interested in economics, commerce, business and finance, and if you enjoy problem solving and critical thinking.
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