Careers
Prepare for the Future with an MQE from UCLA
The demand for talent with extensive quantitative, analytical, and financial training has never been stronger. The MQE program equips students with the applied concepts, technical tools and analytical skills needed to solve complex business problems facing corporations, government agencies and financial institutions.
Stand out in a Data-Driven World
- Intentional focus on the intersection of economics, finance, and business in an AI and data driven market
- Coursework blends economics theory with applied tools for decision-making in real business contexts
- Stronger quantitative + data + career focus to prepare you for in-demand roles
- Curriculum designed by world-renowned UCLA economists and input from industry leaders
94%
of MQE graduates are employed or pursuing further education within 6 months of graduation
Where MQE Graduates Go
MQE grads are employed in almost every field imaginable, with most students accepting roles in Consulting, Data Science & Analytics, Finance & Investment, and Policy & Research. Some companies who have hired MQE grads include:
Tech & Media
Amazon
IBM
NFL
TikTok
Uber
Banking/Finance
JP Morgan
Goldman Sachs
Guggenheim Partners
HSBC
Wells Fargo
Consulting
Analysis Group
BCG
Compass Lexecon
Deloitte
McKinsey
Policy & Research
Acumen
Brookings Institute
Federal Reserve
IMF
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
What MQE Graduates Do
Analytics Engineer
Management/Economic Consultant
Data/Financial/Business Analyst
Data Scientist
Economist
Investment Analyst
Labor Economist
Private Equity Analyst
Research & Policy Analyst
Risk Strategy Analyst
Quantitative Strategist/Researcher
…and more!
Alumni have also been accepted into top PhD programs, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, the University of Chicago, USC, the University of Leicester, and more.
Get Empowered For Success
The MQE provides a supportive career community and employer connections to help MQE students secure internships, applied projects and full-time positions with companies around the globe. Throughout the year, the MQE program offers workshops, career fairs, networking events, training sessions and site visits to help students connect with employers.
Hear from alumnus, Aaron Simmons, on why he chose MQE and how the MQE team helped him secure his summer internship.
Signature Career Events
Throughout the year, the MQE program hosts a variety of events to bring hiring organizations and student talent together. These events include:
MQE Professional Development Summit
MQE’s Professional Development Summit connects students with business leaders, corporate partners and alumni to gain critical insights to accelerate their careers.
MQE Networking Mixer
MQE’s Spring Networking Mixer joins UCLA students, MQE community, alumni, and employer partners for a night to make connections, grow their network, and create new partnerships.
Career Onboarding Series
Workshops and events focused on MQE students’ professional development and career readiness.
Career Chats & Panels
MQE offers career chats and info sessions where alumni and industry experts share current industry trends, career advice, and industry insights.
Career FAQS
The MQE actively partners with global companies in finance, consulting, analytics, data science, tech, business, and marketing, among other fields. Given the hands-on nature of our curriculum, graduates are well qualified for positions which require advanced economics, data analytics, finance training or extensive quantitative background. Many of our graduates have gone on to coveted positions with Central Banks, International Organizations, Government Ministries, consulting firms, think tanks, Fortune 500 companies, and banks. The MQE has robust industry connections to help students secure competitive internships and full-time opportunities around the globe.
Each year, a few students will choose to pursue a PhD following their MQE degree. Learn more from MQE graduate Markus Schwarz about how UCLA’s MQE prepared him for his PhD program.
The MQE program has a dedicated career coaching and corporate relations team focused on helping MQE students secure job and internship opportunities. Throughout the year the program will host networking events, career panels, training workshops and career fairs to connect you with global employers. Career coaches are available to discuss your career goals and provide resources and advice to help you reach your career goals. Our writing coach is available to help you with resume and cover letters.
Throughout the year the program will host networking events, career panels, training workshops and career fairs to connect you with global employers. The MQE has a robust and global employer network. From small, boutique firms to large, multinational corporations, students have an opportunity to connect with hiring organizations throughout their MQE experience.
The MQE offers Econ 429: Professional Development for Emerging Economists, a seminar-style career course aimed at helping you prepare for the professional world. Through this course you’ll have an opportunity to refine your career goals, learn effective job and internship search strategies, enhance your resume and cover letter, practice behavioral and technical interviews, meet industry professionals and practice your networking and presentation skills. The course is offered during spring quarter and summer Session C.
Many MQE students complete professional internships during the program. Some students choose to extend the program over 4-6 quarters, to allow for a summer internship between their first and second year of the program.