Becoming an Economist in Finance

Hello all,

I recently graduated with an undergrad degree in Business, major in Economics. Long-term goal: Economics PhD and to work as an economist with some financial firm (preferably asset manager, top-down macroeconomic approach?). Short-term goal: Working in Finance (preferably buy-side) for 2-5 years.

A clear theme with my job search thus far is HR people suggesting I narrow my search. They want me to know the exact position I want. Which I'm not criticizing. I understand the amount of competition. It's just surprising. Coming from Colorado, my colleagues thought that "wanting to work in Finance" was quite a specific objective.

But so I guess I have two questions:

1. What is the best place in Finance for someone with an Economics PhD?

2. What jobs within Finance should I be targeting right now?

Thanks in advance!