Job prospects of Economics undergrad (from LUMS)

International Students
1

Hello,

I just got accepted into LUMS’ school of Humanities and Social Sciences, which was my second preference after the Science school.

A little recap of my life. I wasn’t really interested in any specific subject throughout my O level and A level, I was okay in every subject (Math, Chem, Physics, CS) and could get a good grade in any of them if I studied hard enough. But the problem soon arose as I got nearer to the whole college application process: everyone started asking what I wanted to do in life, family gathering became career counseling sessions, where everyone had a say about the ‘hottest’ fields I should choose. But the thing is I couldn’t see myself pursuing any of those fields. In fact, I couldn’t see myself pursuing ANY field. Where all my friends wouldn’t stop gushing over their dream universities/jobs, I couldn’t bring myself to love any particular subject or career choice.

In hopes to explore where my true interests lie, I took a gap year. Unfortunately, that too didn’t bear any fruit. I still faced the dilemma I faced a year ago. Anyhow, I applied to LUMS in hopes of getting into their science school and majoring in CS, not because I found CS any more bearable, but because I was always getting good grades in CS and Math. However, I didn’t get into the science school (probably because my SSE test didn’t go well) and got accepted to the Humanities school MGHSS instead.

I am planning on joining on joining LUMS this fall and majoring in either Economics or Econmoics+Math. The reason for this decision is solely the campus life at LUMS, I can’t imagine spending 4 years at some other college, in Pak, like FAST or NUST (no offense to anyone studying there, I just find the life at LUMS a perfect fit for me).
I didn’t study econ in O/A levels, but I did watch a few lectures on the internet and I think I can cope with it. Honestly, I feel like I’m the kind of person that can study almost anything and even get good grades if I put my mind to it (but not develop an interest in it).

Moving back, I would like to know what I can do with an undergrad in Economics: what kind of jobs can I expect (in both Pak and abroad)? What are the opportunities for further studies in the field? What’s a better major, Econ or Econ+Math (considering both jobs and further study opportunities)?

Any advice is also appreciated, thanks!

2

Same thing happened with me. The only difference is that I applied to SDSB and got into MGSHSS instead. Even though I believed I would’ve easily got into SDSB. If I don’t get into SDSB before the session starts, I’ll prpbably end up studying economics too. Won’t take Eco Maths because I haven’t studied Maths in A level. And I’m going to LUMS for the life there too.
For jobs related to Economics, I can’t give you much info but just search it up on google. Although a relative’s friend did become a Director of Finance at Radio Pakistan after having graduated in Economics from LUMS.
Plus, I talked to a few people, and you can still transfer schools after your first year, provided you have a high GPA and if there are seats available in that school.

3

You can transfer schools because in the first year in LUMS, you study general courses, and you can take courses from other schools too. So I think you might be able to take a few CS courses. Not entirely sure but I do know you can take SDSB courses when you’re in HSS so you might as well be able to do that with CS. And you declare your major at the end of your first year in LUMS. So you have the whole year to decide what you want to do.

4

For the job part, I think only a graduate in that field will be able to help you haha