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Economists

Descriptions & Duties

  • Economists plan and conduct research on various business and economic situations. They summarise and interpret research findings, especially for the current and long-term trends in investment risks and measurable economic influences on investments. They also prepare detailed study reports on commercial and industrial sectors and other activities of the economy.

Generic Competencies

Physical Abilities

Physical abilities

  • Physical strength
  • Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity

 

Importance:1 (Max:5) 

Skill is rarely required

 

Technology Skills

Technology skills

  • Computer literacy
  • Application of technology

 

Importance:2 (Max:5) 

Skill is occasionally required

 

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities

  • Creativity
  • Visualisation
  • Logical thinking

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Comprehension And Expression

Comprehension and expression skills

  • Reading comprehension
  • Oral / written expression

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Social Skills

Social skills

  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Persuasion

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Organisation And Execution Skills

Organisation and execution skills

  • Planning
  • Organising
  • Judgement
  • Decision making

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills

  • Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Management Skills

Management skills

  • Leadership
  • Management of finance / time / people / other resources

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Trade Specific Competencies

Analytical skills

Economists must be able to review data, observe patterns, and draw logical conclusions. They analyse historical trends to make future projections.

Critical-thinking skills

Economists must be able to use logic and reasoning to solve complex problems. They might identify how economic trends may affect an organisation.

Detail oriented

Economists must pay attention to details. Precise data analysis is necessary to ensure accuracy in their findings.

Mathematics skills

Economists use the principles of statistics, calculus, and other advanced topics in mathematics in their economic analyses.

General Requirements

Academic qualification

  • normally have a recognised master's degree or PhD in economics

Experience

  • solid experience in gathering and analysing data, researching economic issues and trends, and writing reports are required

Career Path & Salary

Private Sector

Monthly Salary $15,000-$40,000

Monthly Salary $50,000-$90,000

Monthly Salary $60,000-$130,000

Government Sector

Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 27-44

Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 45-49

Monthly Salary Directorate Pay Scale Point 1

Monthly Salary Directorate Pay Scale Point 2

*For more details on Civil Service Pay Scales, please visit website of the Civil Service Bureau.
http://www.csb.gov.hk/english/admin/pay/952.html

Work Environment

  • Economists typically work independently in an office. They may collaborate with other economists and statisticians, and working on teams. They sometimes work under pressure of deadlines and tight schedules that may require overtime work.

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