A Skills-Based Approach to Improving the Economics Curriculum: Insights from Online Job Postings Using Lightcast

Grace Onodipe (), Amanda Wilsker (), Philip Routon (), Andrew Stephenson () and Kyle Huff ()
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Grace Onodipe: Georgia Gwinnett College
Amanda Wilsker: Georgia Gwinnett College
Philip Routon: Georgia Gwinnett College
Andrew Stephenson: Georgia Gwinnett College
Kyle Huff: Georgia Gwinnett College

Eastern Economic Journal, 2025, vol. 51, issue 2, No 6, 308-335

Abstract: Abstract Trends in higher education suggest that college programs emphasize career competencies to better match curriculum with labor market demands. Economics traditionally emphasized critical and analytical thinking, but these may be insufficient for today’s entry level jobs. Using data from Lightcast, a labor market analytics firm, we analyze job postings and the frequency of specific skills mentioned for job titles recommended for economics majors. Communication, management, research, and specific software skills are among the most frequently listed. The study aims to inform changes in tertiary economics education that preserve economic theory while providing students with essential workplace skills.

Keywords: Economics majors; Economics education; Skills-based hiring; Lightcast; Labor market (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41302-025-00294-9

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