You'll learn how to report on complex financial and economic issues for the public. The course covers analyzing financial statements, understanding market trends, interpreting economic indicators, and translating jargon into plain language. You'll also practice writing compelling stories about business news, corporate strategies, and economic policies.

Is Business and Economics Reporting hard?

It can be challenging if you're not familiar with business concepts or economics. The toughest part is usually getting your head around financial terms and economic theories. But once you get the hang of it, it's not too bad. The writing part is actually pretty fun, especially when you start connecting the dots between business news and real-world impacts.

Tips for taking Business and Economics Reporting in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram for exams and quick reviews of key concepts. 🌶️
Stay updated with business news. Read publications like The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, or The Economist regularly.
Practice simplifying complex ideas. Try explaining concepts like GDP or inflation to your roommate.
Get comfortable with numbers. You'll be dealing with a lot of financial data and statistics.
Watch documentaries like "Inside Job" or "The Big Short" to get a feel for financial storytelling.
Create a jargon dictionary. Keep track of new terms you learn and their simple explanations.
Join a business or economics club on campus to discuss current events and network.

Common pre-requisites for Business and Economics Reporting

Introduction to Microeconomics: This course covers basic economic principles like supply and demand, market structures, and consumer behavior. It's the foundation for understanding how businesses operate in the economy.
Introduction to Macroeconomics: Here, you'll learn about big-picture economic concepts like GDP, inflation, and unemployment. It's crucial for grasping the broader economic context of business news.
Business Writing: This class focuses on clear, concise communication in a business context. You'll practice writing memos, reports, and other professional documents.

Classes similar to Business and Economics Reporting

Financial Journalism: This course dives deeper into reporting on financial markets, corporate finance, and investment trends. You'll learn how to interpret stock market data and write about complex financial instruments.
Data Journalism: Here, you'll learn how to find stories in data sets and create compelling visualizations. It's super useful for presenting economic trends and business statistics.
Investigative Journalism: This class teaches you how to dig deep into stories, which is crucial for uncovering corporate scandals or analyzing economic policies. You'll learn research techniques and how to cultivate sources.
Public Affairs Reporting: This course focuses on covering government and politics, including economic policies and regulations that affect businesses. You'll learn how to report on legislative processes and policy impacts.

Journalism: Focuses on gathering, verifying, and presenting news across various media platforms. Students learn reporting techniques, media ethics, and storytelling skills.
Economics: Studies how societies allocate resources and make decisions about production and consumption. Students analyze economic theories, policies, and their real-world applications.
Business Administration: Covers the fundamentals of managing organizations, including finance, marketing, and operations. Students learn about business strategies, leadership, and organizational behavior.
Finance: Concentrates on managing money and investments for individuals, businesses, and institutions. Students study financial markets, risk management, and corporate finance.

What can you do with a degree in Business and Economics Reporting?

Business Journalist: Write articles and produce content about business news, economic trends, and financial markets. You might work for newspapers, magazines, or online publications, explaining complex business issues to the general public.
Financial Analyst: Evaluate investment opportunities and provide recommendations to businesses or individuals. You'll use your understanding of economic trends and financial reporting to assess risks and potential returns.
Public Relations Specialist: Manage the public image of companies or organizations, especially during financial announcements or economic challenges. You'll craft press releases, handle media inquiries, and develop communication strategies.
Economic Consultant: Provide expert advice to businesses and governments on economic issues. You'll analyze data, forecast trends, and help clients make informed decisions based on economic factors.