Do you want to help solve some of the biggest challenges facing our world? From global politics and poverty to climate change, economics is all about how we use resources to address needs and wants and understand the decisions we make.
Studying an economics degree can give you the skills and knowledge to make a difference and prepare you for the future of work. Hear our students and alumni share why they chose this path and what it’s really like studying an economics degree at UQ. Sam is a current student and Lachie is a graduate of UQ’s Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Honours), and Kate is a Bachelor of Economics / Bachelor of Arts graduate.
Why did you decide to study the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics?
Lachie: Society right now has a lot of big problems like climate change, poverty and health emergencies, and we need lots of different skillsets to address them. Economics equips you with a toolkit of analytical frameworks and critical analysis skills that can play a major role in fixing these problems.
Sam: I chose to study the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics because I was interested in the policy-centric side of economics and found UQ’s program focuses on the political and ethical implications of economic policy at more length than other degrees. I also heard about the tight knit, supportive nature of the cohort, which I think is one of the best things about the degree. I’ve made lifelong friends, and have enjoyed the interesting content, engaging assessment, and numerous social opportunities immensely!
What's something surprising that you've learned about economics?
Kate: I think I underestimated how much economics can be broadly applied to so many different topics, like climate change, aged care and health care. Those weren’t the kinds of topics I thought I’d learn about in my economics degree.
Have you had any hands-on learning experiences during your degree?
Lachie: I had a really unique and exciting opportunity to work with an international rights organisation that was advocating to the United Nations, and I got to use my economic skills for this, which was really exciting.
Sam: I've done some volunteering for The Brisbane Dialogues through the UQ Politics, Philosophy and Economics Society, and also had some experience in policy design through competitions run in the degree and through other societies. These experiences helped me develop a sense of what I want to do after uni and furthered my economic writing and speaking skills.
Have you been involved in any extracurricular activities at uni?
Sam: One of the most interesting things I've done at UQ was being part of the Economics Student-Staff Liaison Committee. It was an eye-opening experience that gave me insight into the work that goes into making sure the economics degrees run smoothly. It also allowed me to meet heaps of interesting and talented people engaged with the School of Economics. I also play social netball as a part of the UQPPE Society’s team which has been a real blast!
Learn more about some of the economics student societies you can join at UQ.
At time of recording, Lachie and Kate were students, but they’ve since completed their programs.
Did you choose the Bachelor of Economics because you wanted to be an economist?
Kate: I think no one in high school is really sure what an economist is! The term ‘economist’ itself is so broad. But if you study economics, you're definitely not limited to a singular pathway. You can do anything that involves analysing data or even research or writing after studying an economics degree.
"My degree has felt like my own gateway to the world and its countless experiences. Far beyond the curriculum, I had so many valuable opportunities to learn, build relationships and transition into the professional sphere – and by studying economics, you will too."
How is your degree preparing you to achieve your career goals?
Sam: The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics has given me a lot of skills and capabilities that I think will be helpful in the future, like the ability to think critically and apply myself to different situations and problems. UQ has also provided several opportunities to engage with industry leaders and alumni who have shared advice on how to get into the workforce and helped me decide what I want to pursue as a career.
Lachie: I'd really like to work in the aged care sector and the policy space, and economics is preparing me for that. I recently found a job in that exact area and I'm really happy about that.
Kate: I recently got a job in a public policy think tank. The broad reach that policy can have is what drew me to this as a career path. It's very exciting because the impact you can have is pretty much limitless.
Would you recommend studying economics at UQ to others?
Sam: 100 per cent. The campus lifestyle is engaging, energetic and fun and the course content is interesting, relevant and well delivered. There’s also abundant opportunities and guidance to help propel you into the workforce and excel, let alone build lifelong connections and enjoy all the fun social aspects of university life.
Keen to learn more? Explore UQ’s undergraduate economics degrees to see what’s possible.
