An economist is a social scientist who studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services in an economy. They use a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze economic data and develop theories to explain economic phenomena. Economists are interested in understanding how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions regarding resource allocation and how these decisions impact the overall economy. They may specialize in areas such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, international economics, and environmental economics. Economists work in a variety of settings, including academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry, and their work often informs public policy and decision-making.