Why students are shunning economics, ‘the dismal science’

Euan BlackWork and careers reporter

Jan 30, 2025 – 7.07pm

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Alireza Ghaffarian thought studying economics would be the key to opening up a career in corporate finance, so he signed up for a double degree in economics and actuarial science.

Two years later, he had dumped economics and picked up accounting after industry professionals kept telling him that getting formal economics qualifications would not help him get ahead.

correction —

An earlier version of this article incorrectly attributed a quote to University of Western Australia associate professor Peter Robinson. The comment was actually made by UWA Business School dean Peter Robertson.

Euan Black is a work and careers reporter at The Australian Financial Review. Email Euan at euan.black@afr.com