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Frequently Asked Questions about Economics
Because we hear about "the economy" in the news so often, many people have the misconception that economics is simply the study of business or making money. While this can be close to the truth in some cases, economics more broadly is a study of making decisions under conditions of scarcity, whether in terms of limited time, money, or other resources. Economics encompasses everything from the microeconomics of a personal decision about grocery shopping to the macroeconomics concepts used to describe the aggregated decision-making of entire populations.
Indeed, economics has many useful concepts that we can use to better understand how we approach various decisions in our daily lives, regardless of whether money is involved. The concept of "opportunity cost" describes the lost gains from one alternative that we sacrifice when we choose another; for example, if you decide to major in economics, one opportunity cost is losing the ability to major in engineering instead.
Of course, the ability of economics to explain and predict decision-making is particularly powerful in the realm of business. The concept of "competitive advantage," for example, guides companies to focus their business on products and services that they can provide either at a lower cost or with a higher value than their competitors. This is still a core concept for entrepreneurs, who must clearly define their competitive advantage as well as their strategy for preserving it to raise funding from venture capital or other investors.
The myriad applications of economic thought have led to the creation of many more specific subfields, such as project economics, behavioral economics, environmental economics, and others. But at the end of the day, they are all united by a focus on decision-making with constraints - regardless of what the limited resources are.
A background in economics can be a gateway to a number of interesting -- and often, high-paying -- careers. The ability to analyze the factors driving economic decision-making is a hugely valuable skill, whether employed in the public or private sector.
Banks, hedge funds, institutional investors, and a wide range of other financial institutions employ economists in roles such as financial analysts, investment analysts, and pricing analysts to help evaluate the risks and potential returns of investments. Government researchers in economics do similar work, helping to arm policymakers with the information they need about trends in the national as well as global economy.
Some students of economics prefer more detail-oriented career paths. For example, accountants use their expertise in allocating the revenues and expenses of different business activities over time to help companies make critical resource allocation decisions. And in the world of insurance, an actuary is responsible for quantifying risk -- an indispensable role in helping businesses manage uncertainty.
Regardless of whether you prefer to contemplate big picture questions of the global economy or more specialized questions about how to classify and attribute different business costs, careers in economics require the ability to combine quantitative analysis and qualitative evaluations.
Coursera offers a wealth of opportunities to develop your skills in the field of economics, regardless of your level of expertise and your area of focus.
If you're just beginning your economics studies and want to get a perspective on what this discipline has to offer, you may want to start with introductions to macroeconomics, microeconomics, or international trade and globalization. On the other hand, if you already have familiarity with the basics and want to dive deeper into this field, you can take courses in more specialized subjects like corporate finance, risk management, behavioral economics, or game theory.
No matter what your goals are for your education and career, taking online courses, Specializations, and Guided Projects in economics through Coursera offers distinct advantages. You can get an education from high-quality institutions like Columbia University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the University of California, Irvine, at a significantly lower cost than on-campus students. The ability to take courses online also allows you to fit learning into your existing schedule, giving you the flexibility to build your skills while continuing to work at your current job or raising a family.
There are no specific skills or experiences needed to begin studying economics. Economics influence everyone's life on a micro and macro scale. The prices of groceries, the interest rates of a new home, and the amount we pay in taxes are all a part of economics. An interest in economic policy and financial systems is helpful but not required. Intermediate courses dig into the language and fiscal policy of financial institutions around the world, so it’s important to have a strong grasp of the basics before delving into these courses.
Because economics is an umbrella term that is used to describe the many ways we create, exchange, and spend currency, related subjects include subcategories such as personal economics and international economics. Topics covering personal economics and local economics can explain how supply and demand and government policies affect every financial decision you or your community will have to make. Topics exploring international economics and policy explain how world financial institutions and governments compete and influence growth on a global stage, and how this impacts our daily financial decisions. For a more in-depth look at financial markets, check out topics that cover the global financial crisis and the way it will impact policy for decades to come. Topics in game theory break down how trading behavior affects the stock market and economic decisions around the world.
People interested in economics may follow a career path at a bank or financial institution as a financial analyst, data analyst, or as a trader. Accountants may work for individuals, small businesses, or as part of a team for large corporations. Financial advisors work with individuals to make sure their money and investments are secure. Advisors also help people plan for the future, including retirement, estate planning, and wealth management. Other career paths for someone in economics may involve working as a policy maker or for the government as a researcher or analyst.
People best suited for a role in economics have an interest in public policy and an understanding of how money circulates throughout an economy. People who pay attention to the fine print and ever-changing world of tax law, regulations, and rates are also well suited for roles in economics. Additionally, because economics is constantly evolving, it’s important to pay attention to the global markets on a micro and macro scale and study the ways in which revenue is created and spent.
Online Economics courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your existing knowledge or learn new Economics skills. With a wide range of Economics classes, you can conveniently learn at your own pace to advance your Economics career.
When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Economics, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.
