Economics

Economics is a social science that seeks to describe and analyse the production, distribution and consumption of wealth. It studies humankind in the ordinary business of life, examining the individual and social action most closely connected with the attainment and use of the material requirements of wellbeing.

Among other things, economists analyse the forces determining prices—not only the prices of goods and services but of the resources used to produce them. This field of study is called microeconomics, the part of economics that deals with the behaviour of individual entities such as consumers, business firms, traders, and farmers.

The other major branch of economics is macroeconomics, which focuses on topics such as the level of income in the whole economy, the volume of total employment, the flow of total investment, and so forth.

• Increasing uptake of data analytics, enabling companies and governmental organisations to make better business decisions
• Psychological insights into human behaviour are influencing economic models used by companies and governments
• The rise of impact evaluation, using sophisticated statistical software, to enable economists to distinguish causal from coincidental effects
• Accelerating pace of technological development, and its implications for the future of work

Most of the world's top economists share a common view: Economics will continue to play a significant role in identifying and solving some of the world's most important issues.

In this video, some Nobel Laureates discuss trends and events that will likely shape the evolution and influence of economics:
Nobel Laureates discuss the future of economics

• An in-depth understanding of fundamental economics concepts and theories
• Ability to evaluate environmental, ethical and social issues from an economic perspective
• Policy evaluation skills
• Data analysis skills
  
• Strategic thinking skills
• Problem solving skills
  
• Relationship building and collaboration skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• Strong sense of ethics and professionalism
• A commitment to ongoing learning

Studying economics is a pathway to productive and rewarding work in corporations, small and medium enterprises in the private sector, or public sector organisations. A postgraduate qualification opens up further opportunities.

Potential roles include:

• Business journalist
• Data analyst
• Econometrician
• Economic analyst/consultant/modeller/forecaster
• Economist
• Environmental/Energy economist
• Financial market analyst
• International trade consultant/analyst
• Investment/research/strategy analyst 
• NGO adviser
• Policy or trade policy analyst/consultant
• Sustainability private equity associate
• Teacher (secondary, tertiary)
• Trade negotiator

Many graduates work in research or advisory capacities, either for themselves (in economics consulting firms), in industry, or in government. They have a large variety of roles:

• As self-employed business owners or social entrepreneurs
  
• In financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies
  
• In large corporates, national and multinational
• In public sector organisations such as councils, hospitals and government ministries
• In economic consulting firms
• In not-for-profit organisations, NGOs and other social enterprises

Economics graduate profiles

The University of Auckland Economics Group

This is a student-run organisation for people who are interested in furthering their knowledge and understanding of economics. Learn more

Auckland University Commerce Students' Association

Auckland University Commerce Students Association (AUCSA) is the student hub of social and well-being activities within the Business School. ​Learn more

MADE (Make a Difference with Economics)

MADE aims to empower Economics students to make social change through the application of economic principles and analysis. Learn more

New Zealand Association of Economists (NZAE)

Contact and membership information, vacancies, council members, membership profiles and details of NZAE conference proceedings.
New Zealand Association of Economists  

NZ Institute of Economic Research (NZIER)

NZIER is an independent economic consultancy whose website provides information and publications on all economic matters in NZ.
NZ Institute of Economic Research  

NZ Society of Actuaries

The professional body that ensures that work performed by actuaries in New Zealand meets internationally recognised professional standards.
NZ Society of Actuaries

Careers New Zealand

The Careers New Zealand website provides useful salary information for a range of business and industry roles, as well as information on the difference a qualification makes to what you are paid, and advice on negotiating your salary. You can also search for salary information by job.
Careers New Zealand

Prospects

Prospects specialises in advice for UK university students and graduates. Much of the information is relevant to NZ students.
Prospects