Alumni Interview –Class of 1998

6. What advice would you give someone aspiring to enter the world of economics?

Just do it! If you like economics then you are very fortunate, because there are lots of job opportunities and the profession is pretty well paid. I’d also recommend degree apprenticeships, such as the Government Economics Service degree apprenticeship - this is a five-year programme of paid work and study, after which you have an economics degree, with all your fees paid for, and loads of great work experience.

7. What are the best and worst aspects of your current role?

Best aspect: high profile work that makes a clear impact.

Worst aspect: as a regulator we have to sometimes make decisions which upset people, and that’s never a fun place to be.

8. What are your career goals for the future?

To grow as a leader who develops the economists of the future.

9. What was your best memory of CGS?

I have lots of very good memories of the school. I had an amazing group of friends who I am still in touch with today. Maybe my favourite memory is the ‘Sixth Form Boat Trip’, which was a big party after A’ levels on a boat on the Thames (does this still happen?!). It was an amazing way to end school life with friends and with teachers who got to let their guard down a little!

10. What book are you currently reading or what are you watching on Netflix?

I like ‘gritty’ political books and TV. I have been watching ‘Once upon a time in Northern Ireland’ (on iPlayer), which is a brilliant telling of the Troubles in Northern Ireland which were ever-present in the news while I was growing up. It is not for the faint-hearted.