Economist - What is needed

I'm going to be heading down to the states to look for a job, and I believe that the category I fall under is Economist.

However, I haven't seen that much relating to this category online and I'm not sure what kind of jobs fall under it or what qualifications I need exactly. I've met with an immigration lawyer for a consultation but he was still pretty tight lipped, seeing as he wanted me to take him on for the whole process. But I don't know if I want to do the whole process if I dont qualify!

So please, anyone know more about the Economist category?

I have a BA in Economics from McGill university with a minor in Management. I've worked for a year at Mutual Fund company processing trades and account inquiries, then for a year working in Poland doing real estate research and analysis and finally a year doing Mutual Fund sales and business development to advisors in Ontario.

My other qualification is the Canadian Securities Course.


- I'm considering doing a year of my CFA at work to get more qualification for analysis positions
- or taking two summer-long econmetrics/analysis classes to boost my analytical reputability for the TN1, is this necessary

Thanks for any replies, happy to see Canadians banding together!

If your job duties are those of an economist (See DOT description below) then you qualify. What are your job duties?

Financial Professionals

Financial professionals engaging in management level positions should be presented as either TN Economists or TN Accountants if possible. TN eligibility can be shown because economists and accountants work in management level positions later in their careers, the Dictionary of Occupational Title descriptions for economist and accountant contain management/supervisory duties: For example, (economist)

Plans, designs, and conducts research to aid in interpretation of economic relationships and in solution of problems arising from production and distribution of goods and services: Studies economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture. Devises methods and procedures for collecting and processing data, utilizing knowledge of available sources of data and various econometric and sampling techniques. Compiles data relating to research area, such as employment, productivity, and wages and hours. Reviews and analyzes economic data in order to prepare reports detailing results of investigation, and to stay abreast of economic changes. Organizes data into report format and arranges for preparation of graphic illustrations of research findings. Formulates recommendations, policies, or plans to aid in market interpretation or solution of economic problems, such as recommending changes in methods of agricultural financing, domestic, and international monetary policies, or policies that regulate investment and transfer of capital. May supervise and assign work to staff. May testify at regulatory or legislative hearings to present recommendations. May specialize in specific economic area or commodity and be designated Agricultural Economist (profess. & kin.); Commodity-Industry Analyst (profess. & kin.); Financial Economist (profess. & kin.); Industrial Economist (profess. & kin); International-Trade Economist (profess. & kin.); Labor Economist (profess. & kin.); Price Economist (profess. & kin.); Tax Economist (profess. & kin.). (Source: Dictionary of Occupational Titles) (Emphasis added)

(Accountant) Applies principles of accounting to analyze financial information and prepare financial reports: Compiles and analyzes financial information to prepare entries to accounts, such as general ledger accounts, documenting business transactions. Analyzes financial information detailing assets, liabilities, and capital, and prepares balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and other reports to summarize current and projected company financial position, using calculator or computer. Audits contracts, orders, and vouchers, and prepares reports to substantiate individual transactions prior to settlement. May establish, modify, document, and coordinate implementation of accounting and accounting control procedures. May devise and implement manual or computer-based system for general accounting. May direct and coordinate activities of other accountants and clerical workers performing accounting and bookkeeping tasks. (Source: Dictionary of Occupational Titles)

Another example of a NAFTA profession with several alternative or lay titles is Economist

19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Agricultural Economist 04,06
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Business Economist 04,06
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Econometrician 04,06
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Economic Adviser 04,06
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Economic Analysis Director 02
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Economic Analyst 02,04,06
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Economic Consultant 02
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Economic Developer 09
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Economic Development Specialist 02
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Economic Research Analyst 04,06
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Economist 02
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Financial Economist 04,06
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Fiscal Economist 04,06
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Forensic Economist 02
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Forest Economist 04,06
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Health Researcher 02
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Industrial Economist 04,06
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists International Trade Specialist 09
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Labor Economist 04,06
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Policy Advisor 09
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Policy Analyst 02
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Policy Officer 09
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Price Economist 04,06
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Project Economist 02
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Research Analyst 02
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Revenue Research Analyst 02
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Social Economist 04,06
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Tax Economist 02,04,06
19-3011 Economists 19-3011.00 Economists Trade Economist 04,06

Wow, that's fantastic Chris, thank you, I was having trouble locating the DOT description

An example of a position would be:

Research Associate: Sell Side Equity Research

- conducting in depth analysis of the industry and publicly traded companies in the sector
- building and maintaining models including forecasts
- drafting and writing research reports
- helping to formulate investment opinions
- interacting with company managements, sales and trading, and our institutional base


Would a position like the one above apply?


One line from the DOT description that I am unclear of is "TN eligibility can be shown because economists and accountants work in management level positions later in their careers". Does this mean that it's alright if the economist position is currently non-managerial?

Thanks

Yes it does not have to be a managerial position. The Occupational Outlook Handbook recognizes that economists work in various roles in the private sector:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos055.htm

We had a case 2 years ago almost exactly like yours which was approved; the renewal was also approved. Call or send me an email if you would like more information on this matter.

Christopher,

what job category do marketing/public relations jobs fall under? I would have assumed "Economist".
I have a BA in Economics with a major in Marketing. Would I qualify as an economist or does the job have to be finance related under this job title?

Thank you.

A marketing manager or marketing research analyst would not qualify. It has to be an economist or economist analyst position or research analyst.

Are positions in investment banking and corporate finance considered to be economists? Or positions in Venture Capital?

Canuck Chris,

When writing your TN Visa Employer/Application letter if your company is not willing to use the job title of Economist, ensure the letter explains how the job falls under the NAFTA Occupation for economist.

Here is an TN Visa Sample letter article to assist you:

How to Write a Great TN Visa Letter

Good Luck!