Professional Economist Review
at Government Economic Service
Degree Apprenticeship
Data Analysis
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
My role during my apprenticeship was very mixed. As part of the apprenticeship, we rotated roles and so I was given experience across multiple projects. But day-to-day I could be using excel spreadsheets, coding, presenting to stakeholders, engaging with other analysts.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I really enjoyed the work element of the programme. My teams always supported me throughout the programme, and pushed me to excel in every aspect. They taught me so much. The studying side was sometimes a struggle, as there is so much to learn while also being assessed.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Loads! I've learnt how to code in a way to extract data, how to present complicated analysis in a simple way to non-analysts and non-economists. I've learnt how economics applies in the real world, often to non-rational agents.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
On the work side, its really well structured and organised. This is mostly done by internal processes anyway, such as regular chats about work and development. The studying side could be better organised, as sometimes the communication wasn't great. However, it is structured well
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer was amazing through the course. They always supported me throughout the work I was doing and my studies, making sure I didn't burn out and giving me back time I needed to make sure I was able to complete all my studies within the time limit.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
The support from our lecturers was good for the specific modules we studied. However, the support from the university as a whole wasn't great - they didn't always understand that we weren't normal students and so couldn't walk down to someone's office
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I have learnt some processes from my qualification, such as econometrics. This is something that was helped me in my current role and not something I could learn on the job as much. Also behavioural economics has has helped me understand more about why people make decisions.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are a few networks I interact with, however this is more online than in-person as I don't live in London. There are more opportunities for in-person events in London as they can reach a wider audience easier.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Government Economic Service to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They are a very supportive employer, who continuously puts my wellbeing above all else. Although there are pressures from much senior colleagues, I always feel supported by my senior colleagues in the work I do, and supported to be the best I can be
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Government Economic Service?
Be yourself. At DWP, there is not a 'certain type of person' that they are looking for. Diversity is a big push here and so being yourself and showing your passions and interests in the area will always help you do well.
