Resource Economics

Nowhere are the economic principles of supply and demand, resource allocation and environmental use illustrated better than in agriculture and related industries. If your interest lies in resource management, economic analysis, or weighing costs and benefits, the Resource Economics major can give you a solid base of business economics topped with a range of specialties. A concentration in Environmental Economics is available for those who wish to focus on resource allocation, cost-benefit analyses, and how natural resources should be managed to minimize conflicts between economic growth and environmental quality.

With a background in economics and a specialty in agriculture and natural resources, Resource Economics graduates find a range of employment opportunities. Some of our alumni are working in market analysis companies, investment banking, state and local governments, Federal agencies, database management firms, and economic forecasting businesses. Some students choose to enter graduate school to work on an MBA or to focus on fields like international trade, agricultural economics, and environmental economics. Whatever your goal, we will encourage you to participate in our job-search workshops, career days, and internship program. We'll give you plenty of opportunities to polish your public-speaking skills, to develop smart business sense, and to get an edge on networking. This, in addition to doing well academically, will greatly enhance your post-graduate opportunities.

For more information on any of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources majors, contact the Office of Academic Programs at 831-2508 or stop by 104 Townsend Hall.

Sample Job Titles

Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 180 for additional related careers.

Enhancing Employability

Some Employers of Resource Economics Majors

* food processing firms		
* state/federal government	
* produce brokerages                    
* business and industry		
* trade associations		
* chemical companies
* banks and securities/insurance firms    
* farm cooperatives

Other Sources of Information

Vault Online Career Library
(provides extensive information about careers and companies/organizations; log in via Blue Hen Jobs)

American Agricultural Economics Association	
www.aaea.org

Careers With the Agricultural Research Service
www.ars.usda.gov/careers/	

Environmental Career Opportunities
www.ecojobs.com/index.php			
                  				
Food Marketing Institute  
www.fmi.org

The Riley Guide
www.rileyguide.com

Resources for Finding Employment

• Blue Hen Jobs -- Internships, Part-time, Summer, and Full-time Jobs -- All in one place
• Plunkett's Energy Industry Almanac (CSD 315)
• Environmental Engineering Selection Guide (CSD 316)
• The EnviroDirectory Mid-Atlantic (CSD 317.2)
• The EnviroDirectory New England (CSD 317.5)
• The Environmental Guidebook (CSD 318)
• The Directory of Environmental Web Sites on the Internet (CSD 319)
• Careers in Focus - Agriculture (CSE 69)
• Occupational Guidance for Agriculture (CSE 72)
• Top Careers for Business Graduates (CSE 83)
• Careers for Environmental Types and Others Who Respect the Earth (CSE 449)
• The Eco Guide to Careers that Make a Difference (CSE 450)
• Career Opportunities in Science (CSE 455)
• Careers for Scientific Types & Others with Inquiring Minds (CSE 457)
• Outdoor Careers (CSE 485)
• Occupational Outlook Handbook (GE 5)
• Graduate Programs in the Biological Sciences (GS 25)
• Graduate Programs in the Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Agricultural Sciences, the Environment & Natural Resources (GS 30)
• www.udel.edu/CSC/netresources.html CSC's Internet Resources

Further information including: Skills to Develop, Strategies for Contacting Employers, Graduate School Information and where to get assistance is available in the CAREER RESOURCE CENTER located at 401 Academy Street.

Last updated: October 22, 2009 (CH)