About my college education: My college years were one of the proudest moments in my life. Applied Economics was not an easy-peasy, it was difficult, but very fulfilling. For someone like me who has had an aversion for Math, it was really important to harness my skills analytical skills and had to work hard to be able to understand those numbers and graphs. My determination to learn and to pass my subjects helped a lot for me to stay focused on what I wanted to achieve.

My current job: Virtual Specialist, writer, SEO analyst.
This type of job is convenient for me because I have control of my time and I can even travel to different places and work at the same time.

Am I using what I learned in college: What I learned from the university was really a great factor of where I am now. I may not have the job that is aligned with my course but the underlying teachings and principles that I learned really helped me a lot with my current work. Interpersonal and analytic skills and the desire to solve a problem are just one of the many things that I am using with my work and with my everyday life. Also, one thing that Economics taught me was of course to utilize all your resources to the best of its advantage and that is very applicable and useful in my daily life at work or at home.

How long did it take to find a job: Actually I already landed a job 2 months before my graduation.

Do I recommend studying Economics: I would definitely proud to recommend Economics to all other freshmen out there. Economics is very useful and has applications in a lot of fields. You are not just limited to a certain field like teacher=teacher. But you can apply in a bank or in a university. You can also apply in almost all companies, may it big or small. You can opt to enter government offices like NEDA, NSCB, Mindanao Authority, NSO and a lot more.
Or if you prefer to work on your own like me, a freelance virtual specialist, writer and SEO Analyst. If you have friends working online, you would definitely know how rewarding and satisfying the salary is.
I am very happy on where I am right now and I can really thank USEP for that.

Why did I choose Economics: I was interested in the Financial Industry and this was also a good course for Pre-law.

About my college education: What have I learned about this course? Well, a lot. I started to understand how the markets work. Things said by Economists on TV or papers never made sense to me until I started studying them myself. It was interesting. It gave me a lot of answers I kept asking when I was younger, like why are prices for this commodity higher than the others or why is there an increase in prices or why don't we just make enough money/bills to pay the country's debts?

As for the most difficult subject, I must say its Microeconomics. I had a harder time in it than Macroeconomics. It was more tedious for me to study. The ironic thing though is I like Microeconomics better than Macro.

The most useful things I learned during my time in the university include the ones I learned outside the classroom. I joined an academic organization exclusive for Economics student during my stay in the university and there was where I learned most of the useful things that I am now able to apply in my life after graduation. But there are things you learn in the classroom that can be helpful to you if you look at it in a different perspective. I mean to say is, in real life, you will not be asked to graph the changes as prices go up or down as I have been taught in some of my classes but ability to analyze which is being developed by these exercises will come in handy in real life. We used to complain to our professor that we will not be making graphs in real life nor we'll we be solving the X and Ys. Our professor replied that it is true we will never solve problems like these in paying for our grocery or paying our bills but the ability to solve the problem and analyze it will help us in real life to process real life problems as well.

Passing the exams were difficult. No matter what the subject was. And yes, a lot of people failed the exams. There were not many people I know that shifted to another course. Some stayed longer like me but we stayed in our course.

You need to be patient, attentive and eager to learn. In economics, you don't just compute, you analyze as well. Which makes the course a bit more difficult at first.

My current job: Client Executive

How long did it take to find a job: A month

Do I recommend studying Economics: If you're in the Metro area, I recommend it, but if you plan to work in rural areas, from what I heard from my other course-mates, it's not very well looked upon.

Why did I choose Economics: Back when I was in Elementary and High-school, my favorite subject was Mathematics. This was the main basis that I used to choose my course. I said to myself: "I want a course with lots of Math in it, would take me to an office work (not field works), and would engage me socially". Hence, BS Economics.

About my college education: I enjoyed my course. I attended several seminars. I also enjoyed the concepts in economics. Studying this course will give you ideas on why something is happening in the economy. In taking up this course, you must have people skills. And you must be good in reading and writing papers/researches. We did a lot of researches back then. To share a story, there was a time that we did papers every meeting. It was challenging since there's a limited amount of time. But all in all, economics is really enjoyable.

My current job: I am in the marketing field. I engage in product management. I attend seminars as well and do researches. I do product branding, positioning, etc. The job requires a lot of people skills and research skills. I enjoy my job now.

Am I using what I learned in college: Of course I can use things that I learned in college. The research skills I acquired during college is very applicable. I do market researches; demand and supply. It is important that you choose the job that's related to your course. I even have office mates which are my college batch-mates back then.

How long did it take to find a job: It took me less than two weeks after I start sending applications.

Do I recommend studying Economics: Yes; I would very much like to recommend it.

It has a very vast scope of topics; thus more employment opportunities. You can enter the public or private sector. You can enter marketing field, banking sector, and even business sector.

In terms of salary level, I would say that it's very competitive. Trust me, when the supply is low, prices go up. Same with, there are few people who take BS Economics, thus higher compensation in the future (because there's less supply of economics graduates).

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Go for it. You will learn a lot. And when I say "a lot", it's really a lot. It will open up your eyes to almost all aspects of the real world.

To have a fulfilling / interesting career, you should evaluate yourself on what you really want. It will only be a fulfilling career if you like what you do. As they say, 'love your job, and it will be as if you're not working.'

Why did I choose Economics: When I was a child, I always wondered how other people/countries become wealthy and others remain poor. I was interested knowing economic disparity in the society.

About my college education: The most useful thing is learning to read comprehensively, understanding the concept and training my mind to be analytical and critical.

The most difficult subject was Econometrics. I am not that good in Math but my high school training in a Science High School and with the help of my high school classmates who are math geniuses, I was able to pass Calculus which is a pre-requisite to get into the major.


My current job: My title is a Business Analyst who is also a Financial and Compliance Manager of Federal Grants and Contracts awarded to the faculty researchers of our university. I work in the university research and sponsored programs office.

My current job involves policy analysis, policy recommendation and implementation. I do a lot of financial and data analysis and reporting to high level executives of the University (President, Provost, Vice Presidents, Associate VP) and government agencies (National Institute of Health, Department of Defense, Department of Education to name a few) here in the US.

I had my Master's Degree in Public Policy and Administration which is related to what I do in the university.

Am I using what I learned in college: What I learned is very practical. I have Managerial Accounting which I used. I am also very analytical, diligent and patient to learn new concepts. I have worked in the Accounting/Finance Department (Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Inventory, Work-in Process, Manufacturing (Supply and Demand), Information Technology Department, doing Statistics and Analytics.

How long did it take to find a job: I went to school to learn Computer Language and Programming Skills, then went to Africa to volunteer/work with the International Red Cross... It took about a year from graduation to my first job.

Do I recommend studying Economics: The employment opportunities will depend on your interest. The course is very flexible. My first job was in the Accounting/Finance of a non-profit (Red Cross) learning Budgeting, Fiscal Reporting and Computer Program implementation. Most of my employment is with Accounting and Finance, Grants and Contracts Administration, Budget or Fiscal Analysis and Management.

The skills you will learn from studying Economics (such as Managerial Economics, Labor Economics, International Trade or even Development Economics) could be applied to virtually any job you are interested in any industry (government, non-profit, university, manufacturing, marketing, engineering industry). Salary level is decent and commensurate to position and experience.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: You must have a genuine interest on the subject. If you are interested and curious to learn, it would be easier to understand the concepts. Don't take it just to get the job or the salary you want. Study the course or subjects that you are interested and has the mental ability to absorb. You must exercise patience and diligence to read and understand the concepts being taught.

Why did I choose Economics: Honestly, I really don't like this course but I think there's no other courses that will fit my ability other than this because I'm not good at Mathematics so I didn't choose Accounting. It's like a mini-mini-mo and all I want is just to graduate from college whatever course I will take, it doesn't matter. I was just looking forward to graduate and find a job right after graduation.

About my college education: The most difficult part for me taking this subject, is the reporting. For instance, we had a group activity, one from the group would report or interpret the group output in front. I hate it. It made me feel nervous because my classmates and teacher would ask me questions regarding our output and I was afraid to have mistakes. I found reporting boring and difficult because I don't like to do it.

The most interesting part for me is the satisfaction that I felt after the reporting was done. I felt great after, fulfilled and successful because I knew I'll get a grade after.


My current job: I don't have a job but I do have a business from which I gained from my earnings/savings from my previous employments as Field researcher.

Am I using what I learned in college: The knowledge that I got from studying AB Economics really contributed a lot in my job since I'm under an economic department. It made my job easy. Specifically, Statistics had played a big role performing my work. I was assigned to gather economic data from municipalities so what I learned gave me ideas about the terminologies that I was seeing from the data. And another thing, it gave me an experience to travel to different places in the Philippines.

How long did it take to find a job: I got a job 1 month after my graduation as a Field researcher in the National Economic and Development Authority which is under the government.

Do I recommend studying Economics: I don't suggest taking this course because it's scope is limited when it comes to expertise. But if we will be talking about the salary level, maybe it will be a good choice since the employment opportunities under this course are being compensated well especially if you are into research and under the government.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: When someone considers choosing this course, one must be analytical and logical since there are lots of graphs and concepts to understand. When you want to take this course, you must love it. It requires patience and courage for one to finish this course. I believe I have these two things because I was able to finish this course for 3 years and 2 summers which was supposedly to be taken 4 years.

About my college education: I can say that I enjoyed my economic study a lot. I was interested in dealing with numbers, talking about money, the resources, capital money, labor and production. I have no difficulties in finishing my course at all except for one major which is the Integral/calculus that was too challenging.

The most likely to apply in this course is analytically skill combined with the ability to solve problem plus hard work is the key to success.

My current job: I just came back home to the Philippines from China, teaching Business English, ESL, Business correspondence and Business Trade. I just received contract from Unilever UK as Office Assistant

Am I using what I learned in college: Honestly speaking, my exposure to college level gained me a lot. I manage to deal efficiently with anything that has to do with profession. It taught me the basic important knowledge one has to use in their future job or even in their everyday life. People can also recognize which field is your expertise by the way you express your opinion, ability, knowledge or skill. I am using my knowledge in economics during my previous jobs. I do research/analyst to study the economic activities of the company.

How long did it take to find a job: Well, it took me quite some time because I got married by the time I finished my course. But when I tried to apply, it took me no hardship at all.

Do I recommend studying Economics: Absolutely, I recommend this course if one has the passion to study micro and macro economics. Employment opportunities is not that in demand but you can use your course in any field of job. The best in this course is when you are employed as researcher/analyst the wage is very satisfactory. One of the highest paid position in a certain company.

Why did I choose Economics: Actually, this is not my first choice... I was not able to pass the quota for legal management & philosophy courses, which were my 1st & 2nd choice, because at first my goal is to have a pre-law degree, because it's what I want during high-school.

About my college education: This course made me attracted to both numbers & theories, it doesn't just gave me the overview of social issues & theories that my other choices would teach me. Economics both an application & theory, the analyses have evidence not just
'From the book' basis of knowledge because there are numbers involved provided by the theories & thoughts of the famous economist. Also, this course just not focuses on one aspect of society, it covers every social sectors & standings.

A lot of things can be learn in economics mathematical theories & calculations, theories & school of thoughts; social & political reforms and more. but the most prominent knowledge that I will never forget is what I learn in the Urban Economics wherein it was explained the details of areas in the city. Where does the residential, commercial or industrial zone should be placed & it's pros/cons in that we could gasp some solutions for the poverty alleviation.

The most difficult for me is the econometrics & finance because I am not really good in numbers though I am good in analysis:)


My current job: I am a Quality Control Associate for a financial data research center.
I review & check the analysis made by the researchers.

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes it was practical because I can apply knowledge like research writing, analysis & theories in my current job. Statistics, calculus, econometrics in my past jobs. But some of the general education or the minor subject is not very useful such as history, world lit, etc.

How long did it take to find a job: I took summer rest vacation in our province after the graduation. then in last week of may I started to apply, then 1st week of June I started my first job in a bank.

Do I recommend studying Economics: Yes, I can say economics is kind of a universal course since it is business & social, it fits in any industry, maybe except engineering & health services, but still can be in their support or research department.

In terms of salary, I think my school is the one responsible in the job offers. I have friends from other school with the same course but the offers are not the same as me, UST belongs to a bracket wherein employers give higher salaries (as personal observation).

Why did I choose Economics: Since we are 8 brothers and sisters, in order to have a variety of arts and sciences, I decided to take this course. Very few take this because many think it is a difficult one.

About my college education: In my course, I remember being required to make a thesis about the Philippine economy. It was a revealing research work showing that the economic framework works more for the advantage and benefit of the rich. The economic gains did not trickle to the poor family households.
My major subjects were not easy. It needed much reading and effort to understand the many principles of economics.

By dogged determination helped me pass all subjects. Maybe there were those who failed and did not want to repeat the exams because by the time I graduated there were about only a third remaining of the population of the initial freshman class.

My current job: I am working in our family’s hotel business. I do whatever is needed especially in the areas not being currently covered by my other siblings.

Am I using what I learned in college: In my past job I was able to apply a few of the things I learned in my college course like using the research and reporting methods. My course is less applicable in my current job in our hotel business. My analysis of the effect of the Philippine economy on our business is the only practical thing I can contribute.

How long did it take to find a job: Immediately after I graduated I worked in a company doing research studies on the Philippine economy.

Do I recommend studying Economics: I would recommend the course of Economics to others. However, I have a suggestion. If one takes this course please contribute to improving the lives of many poor families by setting up and operating your own business, never mind if it is small, that can employ poor Filipinos and help them put food on the tables of their families.. This is an actual practice of economics.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Anybody who ls thinking of taking this course may have to think twice or even thrice. The study of Economics does not insure employment or a high income. The essence of economics is not a regular coffee table topic. Do you want to be bombarded with theories and practices on macroeconomics or microeconomics?

About my college education: This course is involving the study of economical growth of the country. You'll learn the cause and effect of numerous numbers failing economy.
Kinda reluctant that could hear but this is more exciting than I was expecting. Meeting with different economical study is very interesting.
Unconsciously You're gonna cultivate your other skills like wiring, speaking and your self confidence.

My current job: I worked in the drug store as their marketing consultant, but after a year of working with them I decided to put up my own business. Right now I run my own Grocery store.

Am I using what I learned in college: Definitely

How long did it take to find a job: I think it was 5 months after I graduated from college.

Do I recommend studying Economics: So many courses are rising today but some of those could help you to attain the right and proper knowledge. AB in Economics will train you to be more competitive in all aspects and will teach you how to use your knowledge in very professional way.

About my college education: This course taught me the understanding of the issues surrounding the economic policies found and implemented not only in politics or government, but also in businesses or firms that affects humanity and work. It is very useful in practical living to be a graduate of this field of study. I enjoyed it. Every part was very interesting.

My current job: researcher

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes it is very much

How long did it take to find a job: 7 months

Do I recommend studying Economics: My course is not well recognized by others. Because they knew that economics is boring but it aims to produce students that are well-versed with economic principles, policies, and research methodologies, as well as allowing Economics majors to specialize in any one of the following: labor economics, public finance, environmental economics, financial economics, and agricultural economics .

About my college education: A very much honor added to me when I took AB in Economics. The thing was, it all about survival of the fittest. We really worked hard for the title of being on the top economics student. The course was orienting students to have broad understanding in business policy, Business Finance, Macroeconomics, Fundamental Accounting & Practice and law of business transaction.

My current job: Government employee

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes

How long did it take to find a job: About 6 weeks

Do I recommend studying Economics: Yes. Definitely. After my graduation I easily got a job. Because the foundation of this course is excellent. It will not only teach you how to work with your skill also it will help you to understand the current labor qualification in the country. So you will be prepared.

About my college education: I have never imagined myself taking BS in Economics I must say that I had no choice because it was the only available course that the state university was offering. But, I have no regrets because I learned how to get converted from being a computer person to a very aspiring economist. Well, what will you expect from this course? hmmmm...... more math, math and math... you're gonna meet all brances of mathematics. :)

My current job: Yap. Government employee

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes

How long did it take to find a job: two weeks

Do I recommend studying Economics: Yes. Like what I have said. It's very interesting to study.

About my college education: I am very interested to took that course becoz i want to know more about the economic condition of our country. At the same time AB Economics is very applicable in the real world.

My current job: I'm a high school teacher handling economics

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes, it is.

How long did it take to find a job: After graduating march of 2002, i got hired a month after my grduation

Do I recommend studying Economics: Yes of course

About my college education: Interesting in a sense that if this course is really your passion. I found it difficult maybe because this is not my interests.

My current job: I worked as an office.staff in barangay magazine in Pangasinan.

How long did it take to find a job: It took a few months after graduation

Do I recommend studying Economics: I would like to recommend if that's really their passion but then again if not better not to take up this course because it will lead you to missed match with your future job, likewise,you are one of the millions victims of unemployment later on..

Why did I choose Economics: I chose this course because I am challenged by others who said that this was a difficult course. I wanted to know business in a bigger way, like how countries can make much money and become rich.

About my college education: During my college studies, I learned to make researches, submit a thesis, and write papers related to business and economics. I did not have any difficulty in any of the subjects because my father and mother were there always to help me. I have learned that nothing becomes an obstacle to success if one is being supported by the family and that one is responsible enough to do his part. Moreover, I was molded into a person who respects authority, obeys the laws, have confidence in oneself, and uphold honesty and fairness in all my dealings.

My current job: I am an investment Officer in Allied Bank, Cebu City. I handle trust funds and bank notes. I encourage depositors to invest in our bank.

Am I using what I learned in college: The good traits I developed during my college years have brought me to where I am now. I apply honesty, fairness, respect, and obedience to lawful orders in my daily transactions.

How long did it take to find a job: After graduation, within 6 months, I was hired by a bank in Cebu City.

Do I recommend studying Economics: Anybody who graduates the course of Economics always get a kind of respect from interviewers because they knew that this is not an ordinary course. This involves mental work, a lot of analysis based on facts and other related circumstances.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: It is my pleasure to encourage those who are considering to take this course to go full speed ahead. I am glad that I did. Now I reap the fruits of making that decision to make this course my educational asset.

About my college education: It requires lots of reading, hard work, good analytical skills.

My current job: proprietor

Am I using what I learned in college: Part of what you learned in university you use on a day to day basis, more important it's how you analyze your situation and using the knowledge you've learnt in college to make sound decisions.

How long did it take to find a job: 3-4 months

Do I recommend studying Economics: I'd recommend this course to others if he/she can pursue further studies getting a masters and even a doctorate, because it's what would be needed to be a full fledged economist.
A fullfilling carrer in government and multinational companies could be yours.

About my college education: It was not my personal choice. Actually I had no idea about AB in Economics. But honestly, I enjoyed this course.

My current job: Freelance Researcher

Am I using what I learned in college: Perhaps

How long did it take to find a job: 1 week

Do I recommend studying Economics: Yes, this course will teach you many things that will help you in your future career.

About my college education: My course is Economics. It's more on theoretical but we did a lot of research that is why I liked it.

My current job: Education Consultant.

How long did it take to find a job: Right after my graduation

Do I recommend studying Economics: Maybe. For me my course is the best study among the other courses. I would love to recommend it because I would love other people to learn what I have learned In college.

Why did I choose Economics: This course can relate to current issues in the society and this is also a good preparatory course for law.

About my college education: Studying this course was not that easy, many times I experienced it to be tough but full of fun and indeed interesting. Though it was difficult the fun was always there. One can succeed in this course if he/she believes in herself/himself, works hard or studies hard in every subjects and above all prays the hardest.

My current job: I don't look for job because I will pursue my dreams which is to become a lawyer in the future. I will go to law school.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Love what you are studying so that you would enjoy it along the way.

About my college education: Economics is fun to study. We did a lot of research and syrveys. You will be saturated for different knids of mathematics but it's very tolerable. I gained knowledge a lot. I really enjoyed my college life.

My current job: I work as a customer representative in call center.

Am I using what I learned in college: Yah

How long did it take to find a job: three months.

Do I recommend studying Economics: I'm so glad to recommend my education because it is the one responsable for me having a decent life.