In recent years, about three-quarters of Economics concentrators have sought work
immediately after graduation. Economics concentrators go to work in business, politics,
social service, teaching, charitable work, and other occupations in proportions not that
different from the average Harvard graduate. A somewhat higher percentage of Economics
concentrators go to work in business and finance, but it is not clear that this represents the
superior job-catching ability of an Economics A.B. as opposed to the interests of
concentrators. Certainly Economics concentrators have no clear advantage in the labor
market vis-à-vis Government or Social Studies concentrators. Nor do they have a clear
advantage vis-à-vis Music or Art History concentrators – and if Economics concentrators do
have such an advantage, they are at a disadvantage relative to Applied Mathematics and
Physical Sciences concentrators.
About one-quarter of Economics concentrators proceed straight to further education upon
graduation; a significant portion enters law schools. About three-quarters of Economics
concentrators will eventually earn some advanced academic or professional degree. Law,
business, and public policy degrees (in that order) are the most common. An Economics
concentration has obvious intellectual advantages as a foundation for any of these three
professional degrees. But once again it appears to confer little if any advantage in gaining
entry to such programs.