The completion of a PhD in Economics provides the knowledge and analytical tools necessary to conduct research activities typical of the economist profession. Such activities, whether theoretical or statistical-quantitative in nature, are generally carried out in academia, but also in public and private research institutions, public and private consultancy firms, national and international organizations supporting governmental activities, and within public and private companies (such as banking and financial institutions or healthcare companies) where advanced economic expertise is required.  

The PhD title also serves as an additional qualification for those wishing to pursue a career as a high school teacher. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) has among its objectives the strengthening of recruitment and training for these professional profiles.  

The career paths undertaken by PhD graduates over the years span both academia and the public and private sectors. On one hand, a significant number have been hired as researchers—either on a fixed-term or permanent basis—in various university departments in Italy and abroad or have received postdoctoral fellowships to study specific projects supporting policy decisions by public institutions (such as the Liguria Region, Port Authority, etc.). On the other hand, in many cases, the PhD path has facilitated access to high-value-added professions in the private sector, such as risk management in the banking sector or positions in international organizations like the OECD.