Student Economist Review

The role involved using data sets, either publicly available or accessing them via SAS software, to conduct analysis. Analysis can include modelling scenarios, policy costings, business case support, and much more.
Common software used: Microsoft Office, particularly excel, SAS.
Regular economist development, with a push to partake in corporate contributions and wider learning and development.

I was given a lot of responsibility, within the first few months there was a lot of support and the team I worked with would provide guidance when required, but half way through the placement I was able to work independently and lead my own work strands.

The SAS training was really useful for learning new skills.
Presentation skills and working professionally.

I received as much guidance as requested, and was supported really well throughout.
We had line managers and specific individuals dedicated to supporting placement students, helping us with any wider questions outside of our team's work strands.

Working for the GES meant working for the Civil Service, and I was placed in the Department for Work and Pensions. The culture was great, looking to improve inclusiveness and encouraging us to get involved with wider talks on things such as Race Action Plans, and the atmosphere was really friendly.

I really enjoyed my placement year, I developed a lot of skills and found the work incredibly interesting, so came back to the GES following study.

Yes