Most economists specialize in a certain area. Common areas are the price of food, rent, or energy. Economists use their knowledge to help businesses. They may work with insurance companies, banks, and securities firms. Economists also work for industry and trade associations, labor unions, and government agencies.
Economists use computer programs to make predictions.
They predict things such as business cycles. They also predict the effects of rising prices on the economy and the effects of new tax laws on unemployment levels. Economists must figure out how to collect the information they need. They may conduct surveys or use data that was collected by the government. Once economists have results, they write reports.