ECON 401 - Economics Field Placement
Timeline
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January 7, 2025Experience start
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May 1, 2025Experience end
Categories
EconomicsSkills
econometric modeling statistical analysis health economics economics environmental economics student engagement qualitative research public policies management researchEconomics Field Placement Program
The Economics Field Placement Program at MacEwan University gives students hands-on experience in applying economic theory and analytical skills within real-world professional environments. Economics majors are prepared to contribute across industries such as finance, public policy, market research, environmental economics, and data analysis. During placements, students bring strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills, an understanding of economic principles, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Employers can expect students to offer valuable insights, conduct data-driven research, and adapt quickly to sector-specific challenges.
Skills:
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in economic modeling and quantitative analysis
- Data analysis and statistical software skills (e.g., Excel, SPSS, Stata)
- Ability to conduct market research and financial forecasting
Soft Skills:
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving for economic and financial data
- Effective communication skills for presenting data and reports
- Team collaboration and project management abilities
Students will fill a position working directly for an organization for a placement of between 90-120 hours. The position can include regular tasks and/or projects needed by the organization. The student should complete work that is meaningful, valuable, and authentic of the organization's workplace.
Students will also be enrolled in other courses so ideal placements will be part-time roles taking place over the duration of the winter semester.
Students will complete reflection-based assignments related to their skill development and feedback received during this experience.
Key Dates:
- Early January - Placements begin
- Mid to Late February - Mid-point feedback is provided by the placement supervisor to the student
- Late March to Early April - Placements end. Final feedback is provided by the placement supervisor to the student.
Project timeline
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January 7, 2025Experience start
-
May 1, 2025Experience end
Project Examples
Potential Placement Roles Could Include (not limited to):
Economic Research Assistant – Supporting research institutions, think tanks, or government agencies with data collection, literature reviews, and economic analysis for policy papers or reports.
Market Research Analyst – Working for private companies or consulting firms to gather, analyze, and interpret data on consumer preferences, competitive products, and market trends.
Financial Analyst Intern – Assisting banks, investment firms, or corporations with financial forecasting, budget analysis, and risk assessment.
Public Policy Analyst – Contributing to governmental or non-profit policy research, evaluating policy impacts, and drafting policy recommendations.
Environmental Economics Intern – Analyzing environmental data and policies to understand economic impacts on sustainability initiatives within non-profits or environmental agencies.
Business Development Assistant – Supporting companies or start-ups by conducting economic feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and competitive landscape assessments.
Data Analyst – Working for tech firms, healthcare organizations, or insurance companies to interpret economic data, create visualizations, and identify trends.
International Trade Assistant – Assisting government departments or trade organizations with trade data analysis, international economic research, and trade policy evaluation.
Urban Planning and Economic Development Intern – Contributing to city planning or economic development projects with economic impact analyses, funding research, and population studies.
Insurance Underwriting Analyst – Working with insurance companies to assess risk factors, analyze economic data related to insurance products, and evaluate policy options.
Health Economics Intern – Supporting healthcare organizations or government health departments with cost-effectiveness analysis, economic modeling, and evaluations of healthcare policies.
Non-Profit Program Evaluator – Assisting non-profits with data collection and analysis to evaluate the economic impact and effectiveness of community programs.
Real Estate Market Analyst – Working with real estate firms or consulting agencies to analyze housing markets, property values, and trends affecting the real estate industry.
Energy Policy Analyst – Helping energy companies or regulatory agencies research renewable energy trends, cost-benefit analyses, and energy policy impacts.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Analyst – Assisting businesses in assessing the economic implications of sustainability initiatives, community investments, and social responsibility projects.
Economic Consultant – Supporting consulting firms by analyzing client data, conducting economic impact assessments, and recommending strategic decisions.
Microfinance Project Assistant – Working with microfinance institutions to analyze financial data, assess loan program effectiveness, and evaluate economic impacts on communities.
Labor Market Analyst – Assisting government agencies, think tanks, or unions by researching employment trends, wage data, and the economic effects of labor policies.
Supply Chain Analyst – Supporting logistics or manufacturing companies by analyzing cost structures, demand forecasting, and global supply chain economics.
Entertainment Industry Economist – Working with media or entertainment firms to analyze revenue trends, consumer data, and economic factors affecting the industry.
Sports Data Analyst – Using data to study player performance, game strategies, and fan engagement.
Sponsorship and Marketing Analyst – Evaluating the economic impact of sponsorship deals, branding, and advertising efforts.
Companies must answer the following questions to submit a match request to this experience:
Confirm that you will provide a dedicated placement supervisor.
Confirm that the placement supervisor will provide regular updates, direction and feedback throughout the placement including formal feedback at the mid-point and end of the placement.
How many placement students can your organization accept?
Timeline
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January 7, 2025Experience start
-
May 1, 2025Experience end