u/Extension-Shoe-6080

any suggestions?

Hi everyone. I'm going into my senior year and considering making Economics or something in that direction as my major when I go to college. I've taken online courses as well as AP Macro, and I enjoyed the work so much more than my other classes. I did have a couple of questions before I made any decisions:

1. I hear a lot about how hard it is to get a PhD in Econ. Is it worth it for advancing your career, or should I try to aim for a master's?

2. Can you get far in the field with a master's?

3. Are there any certifications that would help me?

4. I've heard a lot that the field has a lot of specializations, but they were never explained. Can someone give me the basic ones?

5. Is there any way for me to know that I actually will like Economics in college, and I didn't just enjoy my AP class?

Thanks in advance!

Don't really know much about journalism, but I was just wondering if there was still any jobs or general use for professional essayists. thanks.