Since economics is diverse, it is widely recognized as providing a solid background for many jobs and professions. For careers in business, public administration, and government, the economics graduate is well trained to compete with majors in other business and liberal arts programs.
Large firms tend to have whole divisions dedicated to economic research, with a number of economists addressing specialized areas. Smaller firms, on the other hand, tend to hire only one or two economists to address a number of general areas: planning, forecasting, finance, and other duties.
The role of the economist may differ from that of the manager, but not always. Economists analyze data and provide information; the manager uses this information to make decisions. Today, the economists can not only analyze the data, but act upon it, too. This may explain why so many corporate CEO's rise to their positions through the economics division.
   For more information regarding a career in economics, see the U.S. Department of Labor's "Occupational Outlook Handbook."