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According to its Greek origins,

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the word “economics” 

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described the management

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of a person’s household.

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While today’s economists

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may study individual behavior, 

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or broaden their focus to communities,

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countries, and even global patterns,

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the field still pursues the improvement

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of conditions for people’s lives.

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Economists study the patterns of production,

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distribution, and consumption of resources,

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goods, and services.

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They conduct surveys, analyze data,

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and communicate their findings

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in reports and charts

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to make the data understandable to others.

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Economists work in fields from education

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to health and the environment.

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They may study the psychological

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and social factors

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of economic decision making,

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analyze savings, investments and risk,

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study international trade,

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or focus on the economic role of government

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It’s common for economists

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to study historical trends

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to forecast future patterns.

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Math skills are essential.

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Most economists work in an office,

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generally full time,

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although a deadline can require

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more than 40 hours per week

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until it’s met.

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While they mostly work independently,

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many economists collaborate

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and work in teams with other economists

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and statisticians.

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A master’s degree or Ph.D. is required

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for most economist positions.

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A bachelor’s degree in economics

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may qualify candidates

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for some entry-level economist positions,

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especially with government offices,

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or for jobs as research assistants

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or analysts in business, finance, and consulting.