Get the information you need for academic planning and connect with experiences to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes that employers are seeking.

This resource is meant as a guide to provide suggestions throughout your time at university (refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements). Develop a plan and timeline that suits you best. Make intentional choices for your courses and work experiences.

  • Photo of Mark Rabkin
  • Student spotlight

    “Studying history initially sparked my interest in economics. I often found myself most engaged with the parts that discussed the country’s economy. I wanted to know more about how economic issues occur, how people and countries respond to them and what the repercussions would be.”

    Mark Rabkin, economics student

Economics at UM

The economy is important to all Canadians, and economics is the field of study that helps us understand our world: wages and employment, economic growth, productivity, wealth and poverty, government budgets and taxations, resources exploitation, business practices, inflation, recession and regional economic differences. As an economics student in the Faculty of Arts, you will study the history and current reality of these issues. The commitment of the department to a broad range of perspectives has stimulated the development of a variety of interdisciplinary programs including the global political economy and labour studies programs. The Department of Economics also offers joint honours programs in collaboration with the departments of mathematics and statistics.

Skills you will gain by studying ECONOMICS

  • A knowledge of the principles and techniques necessary to gain a sound understanding of the choices and problems facing us during our lifetime
  • The ability to collect, analyze and interpret data using statistical analysis, and make reasoned judgements on the basis of the available data
  • The ability to think critically and apply economic theory to develop innovative solutions to real-world issues
  • The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

Year 1 - 30 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar - be sure to contact the appropriate advisor for your chosen stream (Economics & Econometrics or Economics & Society).

ECON 1010 and ECON 1020 or ECON 1210 and ECON 1220

Honours (both streams) or Advanced Economics & Econometrics Stream only: plus MATH 1500 or MATH 1524

To do this year:

  1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts to help you plan your program.
  2. If you need academic support, visit the Math Help Centre or attend a Supplemental Instruction session through the Academic Learning Centre.

CAREER TIPS


Start planning your career:

  1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
  2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
  3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
  4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

  1. Student groups including Arts Student Body Council, Toastmasters or UMSU.
  2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
  3. Student work opportunities including Work-StudySTEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
  4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Considering international opportunities? Visit the Language Centre and check out the International Centre website to learn more international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

Year 2 - 60 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
ECON 2010, ECON 2020 and ECON 2040

Honours (both streams) and Advanced Economics & Econometrics stream only: plus ECON 2030

Refer to the Academic Calendar for additional course requirements—be sure to contact the appropriate advisor for your chosen stream (Economics & Econometrics or Economics & Society).

To do this year:

  1. Should you follow a 3-or 4-year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
  2. When choosing a minor, take courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS


Make professional connections:

  1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
  2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
  3. Become a Student Affiliate with the Canadian Economics Association or the Canadian Association for Business Economics.
  4. Attend the department of economics' weekly seminar series.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position or Undergraduate Research Award.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out the Manitoba Legislative and United Way.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador.

Earn while you learn: Consider applying to the Arts Co-operative Education program once you have completed 48 credit hours.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider Summer University at Warsaw School of Economics, an international service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out Community Engaged Learning. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

Year 3 - 90 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
Please refer to the Academic Calendar for additional course requirements—be sure to contact the appropriate advisor for your chosen stream (Economics & Econometrics or Economics & Society).

To do this year:

  1. Meet with the Department of Economics for honours program approval.
  2. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).
  3. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS


Investigate your career options:

  1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
  2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
  3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business development such as New Venture Championships through Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
  4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate StudiesExtended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: Canadian Border Services AgencyCanadian CED NetworkStatistics Canada, financial institutions and insurance agencies.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Job BankFind My JobIndeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the International Student Mentorship Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

Year 4 - 120 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
Please Refer to the Academic Calendar for additional course requirements—be sure to contact the appropriate advisor for your chosen stream (Economics & Econometrics or Economics & Society).

To do this year:

  1. Meet with the department of economics for honours program approval.
  2. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).
  3. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS


Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through work placements or internships such as the Statistics Canada Recruitment Development Program or Manitoba Legislative Internship.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus and register for the Intercultural Leaders.

Sample Jobs

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

Options requiring other education

What do employers want?

Industries such as banking and financial services, business, government and insurance would value an economics major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. The include:*

  • Oral and written communication
  • Numeracy and data use
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork
  • Digital technology
  • Industry specific knowledge
  • Continuous learning

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000+ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.

Get one-on-one help

  • Meet with a career consultant

    Meet with a career consultant for a confidential discussion about your career goals, job search, resumé/CV and interview preparation.

    Contact Career Services at cs.receptionist@umanitoba.ca or call 204-474-9456 to make an appointment.

  • Talk to an academic advisor

    Talk to an academic advisor who will guide you to resources to help you make important decisions for your future. Advisors are specialized, often by program, faculty/school or unit.

    Find your advisor

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Career Compass Search

Select a Career Compass

Use Career Compass as a guide to develop a strong connection between your studies and your occupational choices. It will provide you with suggestions for academic and career planning specific to your program.

Information for career counsellors

Contact us

Department of Economics, Faculty of Arts
501 Fletcher Argue Building
15 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6 Canada

204-474-9207