Choosing subjects is not easy, especially when the names sound intimidating or unfamiliar. Economics is one of those subjects that often gets misjudged. Some may avoid it due to preconceived notions that dictate the subject as boring and technical. So is this subject the right fit for you? Let’s break it down and see if there was an econ nerd hiding inside you all along, but first let’s clear some common misconceptions.
Top 3 Myths About Economics:
❌ “It’s all about maths.”
Sure, maths is certainly part of it but not the entirety of it. Economics is more about how you think and interpret information. It falls under the umbrella of Social Sciences for a reason.
❌ “It’s only useful for those going into business or finance.”
A subject as diverse as Economics has much more to offer than that. It’s used in law, public policy, journalism and even healthcare planning.
❌ “It’s all theory with no real-world relevance, all bark and no bite.”
If that were the case, Economics would fail to tell you why your favourite snack suddenly costs more.
The big question, what kind of student enjoys Economics?
The answer to this question is not straightforward, but if you fall under the following profiles then you might want to consider it.
1. The Deep Thinker
Economics will feel like home for the kind of person who loves solving problems. This kind of person recognises that a problem could have multiple solutions, but very few are flawless and need structured arguments to prove their worth. This kind of person is excited by debates and understanding how the dots connect, even in every-day situations.
2. The Curious Observer
If you always find yourself following the news or reading social media posts about the economy, Economics is your ticket to learning how to unpack those headlines in an even deeper manner.
3. The Analyst
This kind of person is not afraid of data. Whether it’s graphs, charts or trends, this person enjoys interpreting what numbers are trying to say. Through this subject, one gets to see human behavior and data side by side.
4. The Social Thinker
Economics will give you frameworks to better understand pressing issues such as why small communities and businesses struggle to survive, what trade-offs lie behind public policy and how economic tools such as those in fiscal and monetary policies influence societal outcomes. If you often find yourself questioning the fairness of systems, you will likely find the subject both meaningful and empowering.
Still unsure? Try this checklist format:
Do I enjoy understanding how the world works?
Do I enjoy current affairs, debates and problem-solving?
Am I comfortable with subjects that contain both numbers and theories?
Am I hesitant to opt for this subject purely because of what others have told me or is it genuinely not my cup of tea?
Am I willing to give this subject the time that it needs?
Does this subject align with my interests and future goals/career visions?
Will this subject continue to hold my interest even during rough patches?
If you answered “yes” to most of these, Economics might just be your subject. Remember that regardless of the subject, the right one doesn't just challenge you, it changes how you see the world.