To become a forensic economist, candidates need to have
an aptitude for the fields of finance and economics. For the most part, forensic
economists are employed as consultants who provide expert testimony in courts of
law. These individuals provide testimony about matters dealing with accounting,
finance, and general economics topics.For people who want to become a forensic
economist, it is important that they feel comfortable with mathematical
concepts. While the basic requirements of this job do not involve working
directly with numbers throughout each day as an accountant would, it does
require a certain comfort level with numbers. It also helps to have an
analytical mind.In order to become a forensic economist and be successful in
this line of work, candidates need to have a well-rounded education that
provides them with expanded knowledge in several different areas of study. As a
general rule, forensic economists should be well versed in the areas of taxes,
valuation, and capitalization. People in this line of work often possess
undergraduate degrees in accounting because of this particular need.
Additionally, candidates should also have at least an educational background in
stocks and securities and insider trading. Having knowledge of the stock market
is a definite asset in the field of forensic economics, and for some
professional positions it is a requirement. This does not mean, however, that
candidates need to have actual work experience as a stock broker. When people
choose to become a forensic economist, they typically do so because they are
persuasive and commanding speakers. Being good at this job is much more than
simply having the proper educational background and work experience. It also
involves being able to function as an expert witness in courtrooms, which means
that candidates need to be at ease when seated on the witness stand. This type
of work is not ideal for everyone simply because some people feel more
comfortable working in an office and do not enjoy being put on the spot in order
to provide testimony in a trial. For the most part, forensic economists have
advanced degrees in economics, finance, or accounting in addition to several
years of related work experience. Many consulting firms require candidates to
have a doctorate in one of these areas of study simply because the more advanced
a candidate's education, the more respected that person's testimony will be
viewed when speaking as an expert witness. |