For a junior economist with your background in applied econometrics and policy evaluation, Sweden offers significantly better career prospects than Norway. Sweden's larger economy, more diverse private sector (including banking, consulting, and tech), and lower language barrier for English-speaking roles make it the stronger choice for entry-level positions. Norway's economy is heavily oil-driven and its job market for economists is smaller, with a stronger preference for Norwegian speakers in most analytical roles.

Why Sweden stands out:

  • More private-sector opportunities: Stockholm is a hub for economic consulting firms, banks (e.g., SEB, Swedbank, Nordea), and data-driven tech companies. These often hire English-speaking junior analysts for roles in economic analysis, applied econometrics, and data analysis. Gothenburg and Malmo also have growing finance and consulting scenes.
  • Policy and research options: Sweden has strong government agencies (e.g., the National Institute of Economic Research, the Swedish Tax Agency) and research institutes that value quantitative skills. Many of these accept non-Swedish speakers for junior roles, though learning Swedish helps long-term.
  • Easier integration: English is widely spoken in professional settings, and many companies offer Swedish courses. As an EU citizen, you have the right to work without a visa, making the transition smoother.

Norway's tradeoffs:

  • Smaller job market for economists: Most analytical roles are in Oslo, and they are concentrated in oil and gas (e.g., Equinor), central government (Statistics Norway, Norges Bank), and a few consulting firms. These often require fluent Norwegian for client-facing or policy work.
  • Higher language demands: Even in international companies, Norwegian is commonly expected for roles involving local data or policy. Without it, your options narrow to a handful of English-speaking positions, mostly in academia or very specialized consulting.
  • Higher salary but fewer entry-level jobs: Norway's salaries and benefits are higher, but competition for junior economist roles is intense, and the cost of living in Oslo is steep.

Concrete next steps:

  1. Start applying to Swedish firms now. Focus on Stockholm-based economic consulting firms, banks, and data analytics teams. Use LinkedIn and job boards like Indeed Sweden or Academic Work. Tailor your CV to highlight your R and Gretl skills, and mention your interest in applied econometrics and policy evaluation.
  2. Learn basic Swedish. Even conversational level (A2-B1) will open many more doors. Start with free resources like Duolingo or SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) once you arrive.
  3. Consider a summer internship or thesis project in Sweden. Many universities and companies offer short-term positions that can lead to a job offer. This is especially effective for EU citizens.
  4. Keep Norway as a backup if you have a strong network or specific niche. If you are determined to work in Norway, target roles in international organizations or research institutes that explicitly require English. Be prepared to learn Norwegian quickly.

Bottom line: Sweden gives you a wider, more accessible entry point for a junior economist career. Norway can work if you are willing to invest heavily in language and target a narrow set of employers, but it is a riskier bet for your first job.