As part of the BA Economics curriculum, these internships attempt to integrate practice with theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom. In some cases, students can be placed in government departments, economic research centers, financial institutions, and even global corporations, where economic theories are put to use.
In addition to providing a useful view of the economy, the internship develops a student’s skills in data analysis, evaluation of economic policies, and economic forecasting. The internship also helps students develop a better understanding of employment opportunities in economics. Depending on the institution, it can add substantial value to a student's CV and greatly improve a student's chance of securing a job post graduation. Some institutions mandate a specified number of internships hours, or offer credit for successful completion of the internship, thus making it a requirement for Economics students.