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Economists

SOC 19-3011.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparation

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

Context coveredGovernment statistical agencies, central banks, academia, consulting, tech and finance firms; micro and macro research; policy briefs and peer-reviewed publication.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Standard datasets (BLS, BEA, Census, FRED) — retrieve, clean, and document under a senior economist's review.
  2. Statistical software (Stata, R, Python) — produce reproducible scripts for routine analyses.
  3. Descriptive analytics and chart packs — build to a defined template for internal briefings.
  4. Microdata access protocols (RDC, FSRDC) — follow correctly on assigned projects.
  5. Reproducibility and code review — apply consistently across project repositories.
  6. Literature reviews on assigned topics — produce annotated summaries for a project lead.
  7. Standard regressions and diagnostic tests — run and interpret under a postdoc's guidance.
  8. Working-paper formatting and citation standards — apply with care across submissions.
  9. Survey-data cleaning and weighting — perform per published documentation.
  10. Project-tracking tools (Jira, Asana, GitHub) — use accurately within an active team.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Independent empirical studies — design and execute on focused questions within a research group.
  2. Causal-inference methods (DiD, IV, RD, synthetic controls) — apply correctly to applied datasets.
  3. Forecast and nowcast pipelines — build and maintain for an internal economics shop.
  4. Junior analysts and research assistants — manage on standard data work.
  5. Reproducibility packages and replication archives — prepare for journal submission.
  6. Briefings for policymakers or business leaders — deliver clearly with appropriate caveats.
  7. Working papers and peer-reviewed articles — co-author for general-interest and field journals.
  8. Methodological notes and benchmark comparisons — author for internal documentation.
  9. Conference presentations (AEA, regional meetings) — deliver and respond to questions.
  10. Research budgets and consultant contracts — manage at task scale.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Research programs on substantive policy or market questions — lead across multi-year arcs.
  2. Externally funded grants (NSF, foundation, agency) — win at the principal-investigator level.
  3. High-impact publications — lead through revision in top general-interest and field journals.
  4. Doctoral students and senior research associates — advise on independent research.
  5. Policy briefings at agency or executive level — deliver under tight timelines with defensible analysis.
  6. Cross-institutional research consortia — lead working groups within larger initiatives.
  7. Methodological innovation — contribute new estimators or identification strategies validated in publication.
  8. Editorial roles at field journals — hold with rigorous and timely review practice.
  9. Industry and government engagements — maintain as a recognized expert on a substantive topic.
  10. External communication (op-eds, podcasts, hearings) — deliver clearly to non-economist audiences.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Research direction for a department, institute, or central-bank research function — set across years and people.
  2. Major policy designs (tax, monetary, trade, antitrust) — architect at the institutional level.
  3. Disciplinary norms (open science, ethics, replication) — advance through major society and journal leadership.
  4. Public-trust communications — lead during periods of crisis or contested policy debate.
  5. Doctoral and postdoctoral pipelines — build and steward across cohorts.
  6. Senior policy advisory roles — hold at agency, ministerial, or central-bank level.
  7. Cross-disciplinary collaborations (CS, statistics, public health) — catalyze at institutional scale.
  8. International policy networks and standards — shape through advisory and editorial roles.
  9. Major awards, named lectures, and editorial leadership — hold consistent with sustained influence.
  10. Legacy mentorship and field-shaping methodology — institutionalize through textbooks and training.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted literature review — uses an LLM to summarize economic research papers and extract key findings, then cross-checks summaries against original sources before incorporating them into analysis Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Routine data description — prompts an AI assistant to generate descriptive statistics and plain-language summaries of datasets, while manually verifying outputs against raw figures WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Statistical model scaffolding — delegates the construction of initial regression or time-series model code to an AI tool, then audits the specification and interprets coefficients independently Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Policy document drafting — directs an AI assistant to produce first-draft sections of economic impact reports, retaining full authorship of the analytical conclusions and policy recommendations Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Data pipeline acceleration — hands off data-cleaning and reformatting tasks to an AI assistant, recovering substantial preparation time for higher-order interpretation Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Econometric interpretation oversight — supplies model outputs and research context to an AI assistant to generate preliminary interpretation narratives, then applies expert judgment to correct causal claims and ensure alignment with economic theory Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Forecasting workflow integration — orchestrates AI tools across the full forecasting cycle—data retrieval, model estimation, and report generation—while retaining decision authority over model selection and assumption-setting Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Socioeconomic impact synthesis — uses AI to rapidly cross-tabulate and visualize distributional effects of proposed legislation, then authors the judgment-laden policy assessment that no automated step produces Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  4. Peer-review augmentation — runs colleagues' draft analyses through an AI assistant to flag methodological inconsistencies or missing citations, integrating those flags into structured written feedback Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Multi-source evidence triangulation — directs AI agents to ingest heterogeneous datasets (administrative records, survey microdata, financial feeds) and surface pattern inconsistencies, then exercises expert arbitration over which signals are economically meaningful Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Autonomous-task boundary governance — defines which sub-tasks within a research project are delegable to AI at higher autonomy and which require human sign-off, calibrating that boundary against a measured AI autonomy baseline and the occupation's augmentation-dominant collaboration profile Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Public communication scaling — leverages AI to translate dense econometric findings into multiple audience-appropriate formats simultaneously, then reviews each version for accuracy and rhetorical soundness before release Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  4. Methodological quality assurance — architects review protocols that embed AI-assisted replication checks into the economics research workflow, ensuring that AI-generated model code and outputs are independently reproducible before results are certified Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 22
Augment share: 75.4%
Time saved: 54.2%
AI autonomy: 0.32
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Reading Comprehension
Score: 45.5 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Data Science and Analysis
data_science_and_analysis
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication11 statements
Emerging
  1. Economic findings summary — translates basic statistical outputs into written summaries for internal audiences using standard report templates Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Terminology alignment — uses discipline-appropriate economic vocabulary when presenting data to supervisor or peers during team meetings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Policy brief drafting — writes structured briefs explaining economic impacts of proposed legislation for agency staff with varying technical backgrounds Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder presentation — conveys labor market trends or sector forecasts to business clients using charts and plain-language narrative Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Active listening practice — captures client or colleague concerns during consultations and reflects key points back to confirm shared understanding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Public economic explanation — explains macroeconomic phenomena and policy consequences to non-specialist audiences through testimony, reports, or media engagement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Technical report authorship — produces comprehensive, methodologically transparent research reports that integrate quantitative findings with interpretive economic analysis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Peer review communication — delivers precise, constructive written critiques of colleagues' economic models and manuscripts using disciplinary conventions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-sector economic narrative — architects communication strategies that translate complex econometric findings into actionable guidance for legislative, executive, or corporate decision-makers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Thought leadership authorship — produces seminal white papers, op-eds, or policy monographs that shape public discourse on economic policy and market behavior Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Communication mentorship — coaches junior economists on writing clarity, audience calibration, and oral presentation of quantitative research Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership10 statements
Emerging
  1. Research task ownership — takes initiative in completing assigned data collection segments within a larger economic study without requiring continuous supervision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Student project support — assists in orienting graduate research assistants to data sources and methodological protocols under senior economist guidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Research team coordination — organizes workflow among junior analysts and research assistants on multi-phase economic studies, setting milestones and reviewing progress Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Recommendation ownership — formulates and defends independent economic recommendations to agency or business leadership, accepting accountability for analytical conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Project supervision — leads end-to-end research projects, assigning responsibilities, resolving methodological disputes, and ensuring deliverables meet quality and deadline standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Advisory leadership — provides authoritative consultation to public or private organizations on economic strategy, representing the function as the senior subject matter voice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Mentorship delivery — guides early-career economists through regular feedback sessions that develop their analytical and professional judgment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Institutional agenda-setting — defines the strategic research priorities of an economics unit or department, aligning team capabilities with organizational or societal needs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary team leadership — leads interdisciplinary teams combining economists, data scientists, and policy analysts toward integrated research outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Field development — shapes professional standards, curriculum, or research norms through editorial roles, conference leadership, or professional association governance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition9 statements
Emerging
  1. Model limitation awareness — identifies gaps in personal understanding of econometric techniques and seeks targeted learning resources before applying methods independently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Assumption self-audit — reflects on the assumptions embedded in chosen economic frameworks before finalizing initial analyses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Analytical strategy planning — selects among competing statistical and theoretical approaches by explicitly evaluating which best fits the research question and available data Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Error pattern recognition — identifies recurring mistakes in own model specifications or data interpretations and adjusts workflow to prevent recurrence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Cognitive bias monitoring — systematically evaluates own analytical conclusions for confirmation bias, anchoring, or ideological priors that could compromise research objectivity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning strategy calibration — adjusts self-directed study plans in response to emerging econometric methods or new data environments, prioritizing skills with highest research applicability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Research design reflection — conducts structured post-project reviews to identify methodological choices that constrained or enhanced the validity of economic findings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Paradigm-level self-examination — critically evaluates the theoretical paradigms underpinning own research agenda, revising foundational assumptions in light of new evidence or cross-disciplinary insight Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Metacognitive mentorship — teaches junior economists to monitor their own reasoning processes, question their assumptions, and adapt analytical strategies during live research challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking11 statements
Emerging
  1. Data source evaluation — assesses reliability and relevance of economic datasets by examining collection methodology and potential reporting biases before including them in analysis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Causal reasoning initiation — distinguishes between correlation and causation in initial reviews of economic literature, flagging unsupported causal claims Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Policy assumption testing — identifies and challenges implicit assumptions in proposed public policies by tracing projected economic effects through relevant theoretical frameworks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Alternative hypothesis generation — formulates and evaluates competing explanations for observed economic phenomena before selecting a preferred analytical interpretation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Statistical validity assessment — evaluates whether applied mathematical models and statistical techniques are appropriate for the data structure and research question at hand Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Evidence synthesis and judgment — integrates findings from multiple data sources, models, and studies to form well-reasoned economic judgments under conditions of incomplete information Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Policy trade-off analysis — systematically evaluates the distributional, efficiency, and second-order consequences of economic policy options before formulating recommendations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Document critique — reviews economic reports and analyses authored by others, identifying logical gaps, unsupported claims, and methodological weaknesses with precision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Frontier problem framing — reframes poorly defined economic questions into tractable, testable research problems that unlock new lines of empirical inquiry Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-model arbitration — adjudicates among competing econometric models by applying deep theoretical and empirical criteria, producing definitive guidance for institutional decision-making Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Critical thinking culture — instills rigorous analytical standards across a research team by modeling systematic evidence evaluation and challenging premature conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration9 statements
Emerging
  1. Data team participation — contributes assigned analytical tasks within a multi-economist research project, communicating progress and blockers to team leads in a timely manner Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdepartmental cooperation — shares economic data and preliminary findings with adjacent departments such as legal or communications during early-stage policy development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Co-authorship contribution — collaborates with peer economists to jointly draft research reports, negotiating methodological choices and reconciling divergent analytical interpretations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Client consultation teaming — participates in joint advisory sessions with colleagues from complementary disciplines to deliver integrated economic guidance to business or agency clients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-stakeholder project coordination — manages collaborative economic studies involving government agencies, academic partners, and private sector data providers, aligning timelines and deliverables across groups Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Diverse perspective integration — synthesizes economic perspectives from specialists in labor, finance, agriculture, or trade to produce more comprehensive policy analyses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Constructive conflict navigation — resolves disagreements over model selection or policy interpretation within research teams through evidence-based dialogue rather than positional argument Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-institutional research leadership — orchestrates large-scale collaborative economic research across universities, think tanks, or international organizations, maintaining cohesion and shared purpose Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interdisciplinary bridge-building — connects economic research with sociology, political science, and data science teams to produce holistic analyses that transcend single-discipline limitations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character9 statements
Emerging
  1. Data integrity commitment — accurately records and reports economic data without selective omission or manipulation, even when findings contradict expected or preferred outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Disclosure practice — transparently communicates data limitations and model assumptions in all preliminary research outputs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Conflict of interest recognition — identifies and discloses potential conflicts of interest when providing economic analysis or consultation to external clients or policymakers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountability in error — acknowledges and corrects analytical mistakes in own work promptly, notifying stakeholders of revisions and explaining the source of error Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Research ethics adherence — applies disciplinary standards for data privacy, attribution, and methodological transparency consistently across all phases of economic research Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Objective advisory stance — provides economic recommendations grounded in evidence rather than client preference or political pressure, maintaining professional independence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Professionalism under scrutiny — responds to challenge or criticism of economic findings with measured, evidence-based engagement rather than defensiveness or dismissal Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical standard-setting — establishes team or organizational norms for research integrity, data governance, and transparent reporting that exceed minimum professional requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Principled public voice — advocates publicly for evidence-based economic policy even when findings are politically inconvenient, modeling professional courage for the field Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
7Creativity9 statements
Emerging
  1. Novel data application — proposes using non-traditional data sources such as satellite imagery or social media activity to supplement conventional economic indicators in exploratory analysis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Visualization experimentation — explores alternative charting and data visualization formats to communicate economic trends more intuitively to target audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Model adaptation — modifies established econometric models to capture context-specific market dynamics not addressed by standard specifications Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-domain framework borrowing — imports analytical frameworks from adjacent disciplines such as behavioral psychology or network science to generate fresh economic hypotheses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Research design innovation — constructs original empirical strategies, such as natural experiments or difference-in-differences designs, to isolate causal economic effects where randomized control is infeasible Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Policy instrument invention — develops novel policy recommendations that reframe traditional regulatory or fiscal tools to address emergent economic problems more effectively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Unconventional question pursuit — identifies under-researched economic phenomena and designs studies that challenge prevailing disciplinary assumptions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Methodological pioneering — develops new econometric techniques or analytical frameworks that are subsequently adopted by the broader research community Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Creative research agenda leadership — builds an original, coherent research program that opens new lines of economic inquiry and inspires successor scholars Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset9 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — incorporates supervisor or peer critique of preliminary economic analyses into revised work without resistance, treating corrections as developmental input Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill gap pursuit — proactively seeks training in unfamiliar econometric software or statistical methods when assignments require capabilities beyond current proficiency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Setback reframing — treats failed model specifications or rejected research hypotheses as diagnostic information that improves subsequent analytical design Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Active learning commitment — engages with emerging economic literature, working papers, and methodological advances as a regular professional practice rather than a reactive response to assignment demands Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Complexity embrace — voluntarily takes on research problems at the boundary of personal expertise, applying deliberate practice to expand econometric and theoretical competence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-disciplinary learning — integrates knowledge from machine learning, public policy, or behavioral economics into own toolkit in response to evolving demands of the field Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Constructive self-challenge — regularly submits work for peer review or conference scrutiny, using external evaluation to identify and close analytical blind spots Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Field evolution leadership — drives adoption of new methodologies across a team or institution by modeling continuous learning and demonstrating performance gains from skill investment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Growth culture cultivation — creates institutional environments where junior economists view challenging assignments and critical feedback as core mechanisms of professional development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness9 statements
Emerging
  1. Attention management — maintains focused engagement on complex dataset review tasks by recognizing and redirecting attention when cognitive drift occurs during extended analysis sessions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Pressure awareness — recognizes signs of analytical shortcuts or fatigue-driven errors during high-volume data processing periods and implements deliberate review pauses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Deadline stress regulation — manages deadline-driven anxiety during report submission periods by applying structured time-blocking and priority sequencing rather than reactive effort Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Intentional consultation presence — enters client or agency advisory meetings with explicit preparation about the client's context and needs, avoiding distracted or formulaic engagement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Emotional regulation in policy debate — maintains composure and intellectual objectivity when economic recommendations meet political resistance or public criticism Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Deliberate decision pacing — pauses before finalizing high-stakes economic forecasts or policy recommendations to re-examine key assumptions and avoid impulsive analytical closure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Workload awareness — monitors own cognitive load across concurrent research projects and proactively restructures priorities to preserve analytical quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Team mindfulness modeling — demonstrates and teaches intentional, present-focused analytical practices to a research team, reducing error rates and improving collective decision quality under pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Systemic attention stewardship — designs research workflows and review processes that build in structured reflection points, preventing the institutional drift toward superficial or rushed economic analysis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude9 statements
Emerging
  1. Ambiguity tolerance — sustains productive analytical effort when economic data are incomplete or contradictory, resisting premature closure before sufficient evidence is gathered Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Persistence through complexity — continues working through multi-step econometric problems and statistical obstacles without abandoning the approach at initial difficulty Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Rejection resilience — resubmits revised research manuscripts or funding proposals after rejection, incorporating reviewer feedback and maintaining commitment to the research objective Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Sustained inquiry endurance — maintains rigorous analytical standards across long-duration research projects spanning months or years without degradation in methodological discipline Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Controversy courage — presents and defends empirically grounded economic findings that challenge organizational consensus or political preferences, accepting professional risk in service of analytical integrity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. High-stakes persistence — continues delivering accurate economic analysis and sound recommendations during periods of institutional pressure, resource constraints, or rapid market disruption Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Uncertainty navigation — provides clear, actionable economic guidance during periods of deep structural uncertainty, such as economic crises or major policy transitions, without retreating to unqualified hedging Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Adversity leadership — guides a research team through project failure, funding loss, or reputational challenge by modeling resilient problem-solving and maintaining collective focus on long-term research value Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Paradigm challenge endurance — sustains a heterodox or unpopular research agenda against disciplinary resistance over years, building the evidence base needed to shift professional consensus Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Agricultural Economist · Business Economist · Consultant Economist · Econometrician · Economic Advisor · Economic Analyst · Economic Consultant · Economic Developer · Economic Development Manager · Economic Development Specialist · Economic Research Analyst · Economic Specialist
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Reading ComprehensionMathematicsCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision MakingActive ListeningWritingSpeakingActive LearningComplex Problem SolvingSystems EvaluationInstructingLearning StrategiesMonitoringSystems AnalysisTime ManagementPersuasionService OrientationSocial PerceptivenessCoordination
Knowledge domains
MathematicsEconomics and AccountingEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsEducation and Training
Abilities
Written ComprehensionMathematical ReasoningInductive ReasoningOral ComprehensionSpeech ClarityDeductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionOral ExpressionFluency of IdeasSpeech Recognition
Work styles
Intellectual CuriosityAttention to DetailAchievement OrientationDependabilityIntegrityInnovation
Technology
Analytical or scientific softwareObject or component oriented development softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareGeographic information systemDevelopment environment softwareDesktop publishing softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareData base user interface and query softwareInternet browser software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.
  2. Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.
  3. Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.
  4. Explain economic impact of policies to the public.
  5. Review documents written by others.
  6. Provide advice and consultation on economic relationships to businesses, public and private agencies, and other employers.
  7. Formulate recommendations, policies, or plans to solve economic problems or to interpret markets.
  8. Supervise research projects and students' study projects.
CIP education codes
01.010327.030530.390130.400130.490130.510145.060145.060245.060345.060445.060545.069945.100451.200752.0601

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.