Stanley Fischer says you should study economics. Who’s Fischer and why should you care? For starters, he’s the vice-chair of the US Federal Reserve. In a speech at the convocation for the Howard University’s department of economics, Fischer said studying economics brings many rewards: “First, an economics degree provides many possible career paths. The discipline’s logical, structured approach to problem solving is valued in many settings … Economics majors typically receive salaries that represent a good return on their educational investment. Second … economics offers a means of engaging in many of society’s most pressing issues… A degree in economics will help you understand and participate in these policy debates, putting you in a good position to change the world for the better.” Fischer gives examples by talking about two specific contemporary issues affecting advanced economies now; the decline in labour force participation rate and concerns over economic mobility. He is also concerned about the economics profession’s lack of diversity, saying “our profession currently is not very diverse, but it needs to be… research conducted by economists as well as other social scientists suggests that a diversity of perspectives and ideas lead to better decisions and increased productivity.”