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There is a wide spectrum of professional opportunities available to economics graduates. Many pursue professional careers in government or in international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Economic experts are increasingly in demand as the business world globalizes and becomes increasingly high-tech in nature.

Students with training in economics are actively recruited into the job market locally, nationally and internationally for positions related to corporate policy, business management, intellectual property, international development, international trade, marketing, price analysis, community development and resource management.

The brief video (8mn.), developed by The American Economic Association, will be of interest to students considering a career in economics.

The Economics program at the University of Saskatchewan is respected across Canada. It offers a well-rounded curriculum that delivers solid classroom instruction combined with intensive tutorials. The faculty members of the Department of Economics are leaders in their fields and are widely published in topics covering the spectrum of quantitative, theoretical and historical economics.

One of the unique advantages to the USask program is a new Work Experience Internship Program that not only gives students practical work experience in the areas they have been studying but also involves them directly in the local business community.

There are a variety of awards available for students pursuing a degree in Economics and Business Economics. Students are also eligible for general College of Arts and Science scholarships and bursaries, and are encouraged to apply for external awards in addition to those provided by the university.

• Scholarship and Awards
• University of Saskatchewan Scholarships and Bursaries 

A Student's Perspective

Author: Dolapo Fadare

Why Economics

When I was completing high school, I vividly recollect being torn on which career path I wanted to take. I wanted to pursue international law but was also interested in business and at the same time considering the possibilities of working in politics. So, at the end of my grade 12 year, I had narrowed down that I would pursue either political science, economics or international relations. Eventually, I chose to stick with an Economics degree because it provided the opportunity to dive into different sectors. Yet at the same time it opened the window that gave a glimpse into how the country and the world operates. Those two things helped satisfy my hunger to use my work as a way to also contribute to the world around me.

The theories learned from the school of thought can be applied to 3 major sectors; civil society, public sector and enterprise. Beyond the class room however, I wanted to better understand the details and complexities of each of the areas. Within the civil society, I volunteered with local organizations that were assisting new immigrants get settled in Canada. In addition, I participated in Model United Nations conferences by Harvard University and McGill University. One of the resolutions we were working on included disarmament of nuclear weapons. My experience in this sector allowed me to better understand the nuisances in trying to integrate multiple stakeholders. However, it also nudged me towards exploring the roles that governments play in the implementing policies.

Different Paths

Hence after my first semester, I worked for the Government of Saskatchewan as a Ministerial Assistant to the Executive Council. From there I was able to understand the processes of policy making but I decided to switch to the private sector. For a little over a year, I worked for a startup company called Townfolio. Townfolio is a marketplace that connects investors with business ideas all over north America. Working for the company for about a year made me become more fascinated with tech and the start-up world in general. My interest in entrepreneurship led me to being accepted into the Cansbridge Fellowship. The program is a network of high impact leaders and entrepreneurial young professionals throughout the world. Alumni of the program have moved on to work for Google, Microsoft, IBM and so on. Part of the program involves doing an internship in Asia. As a result I am currently working in Shanghai for Zx Ventures eCommerce Team as a summer intern.

Now you’re probably tired of me talking about myself. So, let’s switch gears: How can you pursue unique opportunities that helps you better understand your degree? But first of all I am going to explain why it is important to pursue additional activities with your degree.

Why Should You Do More Than Get Good Grades?

Given a changing labour market, it is key to ensure that as a student, one is getting practical experiences beyond your degree. In today’s world, just having high marks does not guarantee a door into the career path plainly because the labour market is competitive and saturated with talent. The best way to distinguish yourself from a crowd of resumes is to keep the following things in mind. Employers or program coordinators want to see if you have hard and soft skills; those are gained through the other activities that one participates in. This entails both on campus activities and those that are pursued out of interest. Whether it is sports, arts, or even running a failed business idea it is key to communicate four things: why did you start or participate in the said activity, how did the activity challenge you, what did you contribute to the team and lessons you learned. These answers should be evident through the details explained in your resume.

I am sure I have lost half of you at this point. But if you made it to the end, thanks for sticking it through. I also hope that you found part of this useful. To make it clear, I am not an expert in this and still working on navigating my career and life in general. But the one thing I know for sure is that the pursuit of continually improving yourself is chaotic but yet rewarding. Feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions at dolapo.fadare@usask.ca. Continue to dig deeper, dream bigger, and grow stronger.

Fall 2024 Term

The Department of Economics offers free weekly help sessions for undergraduate economic students for the Fall 2024 Term.

Tutors for Hire

The Department of Economics is compiling a list of students who would like to be considered for teaching-related jobs. These could include grading, running tutorial sessions, or helping with exam invigilation or departmental events. We expect that the department and other units will be hiring undergraduate students in the 2025 Winter Term. We are mostly interested in students in their third and fourth year with a good background in economics. However, this offer is not limited to Economics majors.

The process is as follows: To indicate your interest, please complete the Department of Economics TA and Tutoring Pool Form and submit it to the department. We will keep your information on record and notify you as relevant positions become available. With your permission, we may share your details with other departments seeking to hire Economics students.

In addition, we will start publishing a list of students offering (paid) tutoring services to other students. If you want to be included in that list, you may also indicate this in the form.

Please email the completed form to grad.economics@usask.ca. Contact us at grad.economics@usask.ca if you have questions.

Department of Economics TA and Tutoring Pool Form