Ashton Maggs
Bachelor of Music (1998)
Bachelor of Economics

Majors: Analytical Economics
(School of Economics)
Chinese (School of Asian Languages and Studies)

After graduating from the Conservatorium of Music with a Bachelor of Music, I was keen to make myself more "well-rounded" with a degree that would open up opportunities in as many areas as possible. I wanted better analytical skills, a more thorough understanding of the way the world so often works, a degree that gave me some extra leverage in the job markets over and above general commerce graduates and studies that were above all else, interesting!

Currently completing my second year towards a Bachelor of Economics, I have already found that the course meets all my requirements. Having completed units such as Asia Pacific Economies: Tigers, Introduction to Econometrics, Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, I feel that these type of units have improved my analytical thinking, helped with report writing, dispelled many myths about the world's workings and helped me to understand what drives people's decisions. In fact, it is very interesting to have been reading about the many links between psychology and economic thinking - there is a lot of overlap in the importance of rational and irrational behaviour, and how people act individually or in the context of "the masses". Through my studies I have taken a real interest in China and its amazing growth.

The Bachelor of Economics degree has allowed me to also complete a major in Chinese. The statistics involved have challenged me, but are so important in areas as diverse as marketing, psychology, economics and finance that future employer's now demand a good understanding of this area. If a music graduate can get distinctions in the statistics components, anyone can!!!

Employers who accept economics graduates include, but are by no means limited to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Investment Banks, Australian Security and Intelligence Commission, Financial Services companies, Marketing firms, Australian Federal Police, Defence, Reserve Bank of Australia and with some postgraduate studies, lecturing.

Using one word, I'd say that Economics is about "Decisions" - so is life!

Ashton Maggs
2003

Fiona Maver
Bachelor of Commerce/LLB

Major: Finance (School of Economics)

I chose to do a Finance Major because of the number of exciting career opportunities that it offers. Finance covers a very broad field and includes banking, stock markets, insurance, trade and financial planning to name a few. When I graduate I would like to work for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or in an embassy or commercial law firm.

The combination of a Finance and a law degree has further broadened my potential career opportunities. I have found that the combination of majors gives a wider range of skills. It also makes studying more interesting because all my subjects are so different. Finance is based on mathematical concepts and models, where as law involves essay writing and legal problem solving, so this provides a good balance.

Another great thing about studying Finance has been some of the very entertaining and eccentric lecturers in the school of Economics which have certainly made the lectures fun.

The only set back for me would perhaps be the walk up the hill from the Law School!

Fiona Maver
2003

Khim T Khor
Bachelor of Economics

Majors: Business Economics and Finance
(School of Economics)

When I first came to Tasmania in 2000, I was enrolled in the degree for Bachelor of Commerce. However, I decided to change my degree to Bachelor of Economics in my second year because I found that the subjects offered by the School of Economics are more challenging, interesting and very useful for my future career path.

The Bachelor of Economics offered by University of Tasmania is well-recognised in my home country (Malaysia). The BEc provides a range of careers opportunities, including: financial advisers/analyst, stock broker, policy maker, banking sector, foreign exchange market and so many more.

During my third year of University, CPA offered me a summer working experience as an assistant performance auditor in a Tasmanian Audit firm. During that period, I realised the knowledge that I gained from the finance and economics majors was indeed very useful.

So, do not hesitate and miss the opportunity to enrol in economics and finance major. I can assure that the courses will benefit your future career prospects.

Khim T Khor
2003

Simon Beck
BCom (2002)
Bachelor of Economics

Majors: Business Economics and Finance (School of Economics)
Marketing (School of Management)

In 2000 I enrolled in a BCom and completed this course in 2002, majoring in Economics and Marketing. During my final year of the BCom degree I enquired into work that was available with my qualifications. Unfortunately I found nothing that interested me and decided to further my studies by enrolling in a BEc.

I enjoyed my previous studies in economics and thought that by undertaking a BEc this would not only give me further qualifications and knowledge, but also differentiate myself in the workforce from the large numbers of purely commerce graduates. I decided to focus my Economics studies in Finance, an area that I had had little experience in, which I felt could provide valuable job prospects in the future.

Soon after undertaking my studies in Economics I gained a position at Bell Potter Securities, a national stockbroking firm specialising in personal broking. I have been working in this position on a part-time basis for the last 6 months (whilst studying) and have found the experience invaluable. It has not only given me a good background into businesses in Australia, but has also given me valuable experience for the future. I would strongly recommend to any students, Economics or otherwise, to try and gain some experience whilst they are still studying. Although there are not a huge amount of positions for undergraduate students available, they do exist. Keep your eyes open and be persistent and you never know what you may find.

The major advantage of a Bachelor of Economics is that it is a very versatile degree. Studies in Economics are not purely analytical, but are actually very varied. Studies in economics can be as varied as pricing, finance, environmental economics and even strategic thinking. The result is a useful degree that can provide many avenues of employment, not only in the business sector, but in many other industries.

It can often be confusing with the many options available for study. If you are unsure about any aspects of your study, the best thing to do is talk to people who have experience. Use the faculty course advisors, talk to students who are studying in your field, or who have completed studies. There are always new opportunities becoming available and by talking to your peers, you will realise the extent of these prospects.

Simon Beck
2003