Working Abroad in Economic Affairs: 4 Jobs
Globalization has encouraged the growth of many jobs in economic affairs: there are jobs for economists, accountants, lawyers and business people in finance.
Education
You can specialize in accounting, economics, development work, policy
analysis or law. Advanced degrees, usually a graduate or professional
degree, are preferred. Most professionals in this field will speak an
additional language other than English, and they usually speak that
language fluently. If you work for the United Nations, the working
languages of the United Nations are English and French.
Job Options
- Economists: will produce economic models of trade and investment.
They will also look for weaknesses in an economy and make
recommendations based on their research. Most economists in this field
are specialists in a particular region and have a good grasp of
statistics and conducting statistical research.
- Lawyers: practice international and trade law. They may also be
called to comment on the legality of trade, treaties and legal
conditions in foreign states.
- Accountants: will analyze financial statements and will have a
thorough knowledge of accounting systems and tax laws, both at home and
the countries abroad. Most accountants hired for these positions will
be professional chartered accountants.
- Finance: Beyond accountants, professionals in finance will have an expertise in international development, international banking or trade development. You will either encourage investment or invigorate existing trade relations through research and presentations.
Employers
The United Nations and the World Bank hire
economic affairs officers. You can also find positions with the
Department of State, working in embassies, consulates and in trade and
export offices. Cross-cultural Chambers of Commerce will sometimes hire
economic affairs officers to provide advice and analysis for their
members. Banks and corporations with international offices will also
hire professionals to work on stimulating investment. Once you have
some expertise, you may be able to become a consultant, an individual
entrepreneur who contracts with the government or corporations.
Typical Day
Most economic affairs officers work in an office environment, usually
abroad. They analyze and produce policy, so expect a great of research,
usually statistical or quantitative, and writing. Occasionally, you
will conduct interviews and travel to locations for interviews and
analysis. You will also be expected to make presentations, attend
meetings and, when necessary, provide education and make public
presentations on your research.
Advancement
Economic affairs officers are usually mid-level professionals, with
graduate degrees in highly competitive fields. Depending on where you
live, an average salary for an economic affairs officer is $86,000. You
will live in some of the most beautiful and esteemed cities in the
world: New York, Paris and Hong Kong, for example, depending on the
industry and region you specialize in. Potentially, with more
experience, you will be eligible for more desirable placements.
Regions
Friendly trade relations, or the desire to exploit resources, will
offer positions in economic affairs. Many people find work in New York,
with the United Nations or in Washington D.C. with the government.
Africa, Asia, including the Middle East, Europe and North and South
America are all in some form of trade or development relationship with
the United States, so you can find placements in any one of these
countries that is trying to form or has formed a trade relationship
with the United States. Where you are placed will depend on your
background, expertise and linguistic abilities.
