6. Mapping your background to this career area
Economic Analysis & Global Strategy
Economics / Business
Related
Skills
- Strong ability to organize and interpret economic data from a business point of view
- Used to data analysis with spreadsheets and, in some cases, programs
- A good level of English is critical, but other languages can often be key
- Ability to communicate efficiently to both expert and non-expert audiences
- Good writing skills
- Ability to deliver recommendations with confidence
POSSIBLE MAPPING TO THIS CAREER AREA
- The part of economic studies related to corporate strategy and financial markets is often very much about seeing the “big picture”.
- Demonstrating that you can think across countries and regions, understand the implications of policy changes and spot the trends of relevance to different industries and financial markets will make a difference.
- Some use a background in a public institution as a starting point for an economic analysis job in the private sector, while others generate knowledge from scratch in a specialized department.
- While technical knowledge and skills are a prerequisite, the transition to a more senior role often hinges on developing a broader view and relating it to strategy.
Engineering / Math / Stats / Data Science / Econometrics
Related
Skills
- Strong quantitative skills
- Confidence with model building and data processing
- Ability to deliver projections and forecasts based on the data
- Strong familiarity with programs like Python, R, MATLAB, EViews etc.
POSSIBLE MAPPING TO THIS CAREER AREA
- Quantitative work can support economic analysis but can also be more stand-alone, concentrating on specialized fields.
- What clearly distinguishes professionals in this field is their strong analytical skills and their passion for precision.
- Some “quants” remain in their field throughout their career. But a quantitative background can also lead on to leadership roles for those with who have been able to complement hard skills with soft skills.
Business studies, broader social or behavioral sciences
Related
Skills
- Ability to identify the key drivers of profitability in an industry
- Marketing skills
- Strong strategic thinker able to deliver actionable views about competitive strategy, product positioning, etc.
POSSIBLE MAPPING TO THIS CAREER AREA
- Background knowledge about a particular industry can sometimes be key to entering this field, depending on the complexity of the relevant products.
- However, many companies accept “learning by doing” for younger candidates with the right skill set.
- Data analysis is clearly relevant, but roles in this field also hinge on more qualitative input, critical thinking and business acumen.
Business Administration / Economics
Related
Skills
- Data analytics
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Market research
- Business development
- Financial analysis
- Leadership
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Problem solving
POSSIBLE MAPPING TO THIS CAREER AREA
- Leverage your understanding of operations to optimize supply chains, production processes and resource allocation across global markets.
- Use project management principles to plan and execute global strategic initiatives, ensuring efficient implementation and alignment with business objectives.
- Leverage your skills in stakeholder management to engage with various internal and external stakeholders, fostering support for global strategies.
- Develop comprehensive market entry and exit strategies that consider financial, operational, and competitive factors.
International Relations / Political Science
Related
Skills
- Research and analysis
- Understanding of international law
- Conflict resolution
- Quantitative analysis
- Foreign policy analysis
- Communication skills
- Cross-cultural competence
- Critical thinking
- Leadership and influence
- Ethical and moral judgement
POSSIBLE MAPPING TO THIS CAREER AREA
- Utilize your knowledge of political science to analyze geopolitical events, international relations and government policies that can impact global economic trends and business strategies.
- Leverage your international business insights to develop market entry strategies that consider cultural, political and economic factors in different regions.
- Consider cultural and political factors when shaping ethical business practices and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives across diverse markets.
- Assess and manage political risks that could impact global strategies, such as changes in leadership, economic sanctions or trade disputes.
Finance
Related
Skills
- Financial analysis
- Risk management
- Financial modeling
- Valuation techniques
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Analytical thinking
- Problem solving
- Ethical judgement
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Client relationship management
POSSIBLE MAPPING TO THIS CAREER AREA
- Use financial principles to assess investment opportunities, allocate capital efficiently and make informed decisions about resource allocation.
- Create financial models to simulate different scenarios and assess the impact of various global strategy options on profitability and financial performance.
- Apply financial metrics to conduct cost-benefit analysis of different strategic options, helping organizations choose the most financially viable approach.
- Monitor and analyze global financial markets to inform strategic decisions related to investments and financing.
Law
Related
Skills
- Legal research and analysis
- Legal writing and drafting
- Litigation and advocacy
- Contract law
- Legal ethics and responsibility
- Communication
- Analytical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Cultural sensitivity
POSSIBLE MAPPING TO THIS CAREER AREA
- Use your legal knowledge to analyze the legal implications of economic decisions and global strategies. Assess how international laws, treaties and regulations impact business operations.
- Assist in assessing legal risks associated with global strategies and economic decisions. Ensure compliance with local, national and international laws.
- Provide insights into ethical considerations and corporate governance practices relevant to global business operations.
- Assist in due diligence, regulatory compliance and legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures.
Statistics and Data Analytics
Related
Skills
- Programming languages
- Software development
- Database management
- Web development
- Networking and security
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Attention to detail
- Continuous learning
POSSIBLE MAPPING TO THIS CAREER AREA
- Use statistical techniques to analyze economic data, market trends and consumer behavior to guide strategic decision-making.
- Conduct thorough data analysis to understand market dynamics, identify growth opportunities and assess competitive landscapes.
- Build and apply econometric models to analyze relationships between economic variables and predict outcomes.
- Analyze international market data to identify potential markets for expansion, considering factors like demand, demographics and purchasing power.