An economist is an expert who studies the relationship [A] between a society’s resources and it's production or output. The societies studied may range from the smallest of local communities [C] to an entire nation or even the global economy. The expert opinions and research findings of an economist are used to help shape [B] a wide variety of policies, including interest rates, tax laws, employment programs, international trade agreements [D] and corporate strategies. There is a good chance that someone interested in a career [C] as an economist will work for the government. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly [D] 50% of all economists work for either a federal or state agency. The rest are employed [B] as professors, by corporations or as part of economic think tanks. A career as an economist has two main requirements [B]. First, economists generally hold [A] advanced degrees, such as a PhD or a master’s degree. Second, economists typically develop [D] an area of specialization where they focus their research efforts.
