Economists

• Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.
• Conduct research on economic issues and disseminate research findings through technical reports or scientific articles in journals.
• Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.
• Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.
• Supervise research projects and students' study projects.
• Formulate recommendations, policies, or plans to solve economic problems or to interpret markets.
• Develop economic guidelines and standards and prepare points of view used in forecasting trends and formulating economic policy.
• Provide advice and consultation on economic relationships to businesses, public and private agencies, and other employers.
• Forecast production and consumption of renewable resources and supply, consumption and depletion of non-renewable resources.
• Testify at regulatory or legislative hearings concerning the estimated effects of changes in legislation or public policy and present recommendations based on cost-benefit analyses.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Economists.

• Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Economists.