Why Economics Majors Should Learn How To Code

So you're an econ major. Why should you learn how to code?

  • You will add value to your resume and skills. Most jobs in finance or econ require some level of analysis. Business analysts, finance analysts, data analysts are some of many positions that can benefit from an understanding in coding. 

  • In economics, you will be working with theory or data, and you will need coding to do either well. With statistical programs, you will hit the wall in terms of what you can do with what they offer. With theoretical models, you won't always be able to work it out on pen and paper. Coding is the key to going further in either category.

  • Once you have JavaScript under your belt, you can look into doing things with economic data through APIs (such as the BEA Data Application Programming Interface (API) or API for Economic Data).