How Did I Get Here? from Discover Economics

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What are you going to be when you grow up? A doctor, an astronaut, an engineer, a footballer? Very few people have ever dreamt that one day they would be an economist. It’s a profession on few young people’s radars, is barely understood and, let’s face it, has an image problem. Most people picture economists, if they think about them at all, as “men in suits who are crunching numbers, talking about interest rates and making money”.This series of podcasts aim to challenge – and change – your image of economists. A series of conversations with economists who are working in a variety of different organisations, the podcasts will explore their personal journeys. What inspired them to choose to study economics? How did they get to their current position? What are they currently working on and what are some of the things that they love about economics? ​

  1. 03/25/2025

    The Power Of Thinking Like An Economist With Soumaya Keynes

    Economics is about more than models and markets, it’s a way of understanding how the world works and making better decisions about the future. In this episode, we meet Soumaya Keynes, Economics Columnist at the Financial Times. Soumaya shows how economics isn’t just a subject, but a powerful tool for asking better questions about the world. Soumaya studied economics at Cambridge before building an impressive career in journalism, including eight years at The Economist and co-hosting Money Talks and Trade Talks. Today, she writes weekly columns for the FT and hosts The Economics Show. Along the way, she’s been flying the flag for greater diversity in economics, sharing what it’s really like to work in the field and why she’s hopeful about its future. Soumaya shares her journey into economics, offering a refreshing take on what the subject is (and isn’t), why it’s relevant to people who care about real-world problems, and how the skills you learn can take you anywhere. In this episode, we cover: How to use your interests - whether it’s climate change, social justice, or even opera - to find your place in economics.How economics helps you make sense of news, politics, and data.Why the neatness of maths might hold you back in economics. Make better decisions by understanding the difference between correlation and causation.Why men disproportionately pick economics and women disproportionately pick subjects like psychology.How to identify the secret messages you’re told without knowing you've been told them.How to approach uncertainty in a healthy way.  Advice for students and teachers on accessing economics - whether or not it’s taught at school.If you’re a student considering your next steps, a student ambassador championing economics, or a teacher eager to open up access to a wider group of young people, you’ll find inspiration and practical advice here. LEARN MORE The Core Curriculum - https://www.core-econ.org/ The Economics Show - https://www.ft.com/the-economics-show The Trade Talks Podcast - https://tradetalkspodcast.com/podcast/ Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk  LISTEN How Did I Get Here? from Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk/podcast  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ymip1H9Tpy5kBInSEJrUz?si=4b4013bcadd24a14  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-did-i-get-here-from-discover-economics/id1557268390

  2. 03/18/2025

    Why Economics Is The Most Versatile Subject You Can Study With Fiona Cox

    What if studying economics could be the key to understanding the world? Economics isn’t just about money or markets; it’s about solving real-world challenges, from government policies to everyday financial decisions. In this episode, Fiona Cox, an economist with a PhD and manager at KPMG’s economics team, shares how she lobbied to get economics on her school curriculum and now leads on impact assessments for major investments. Fiona’s journey is proof that economics can open unexpected ...

  3. 03/11/2025

    Why There’s a Niche for Everyone in Economics With Tuli Saha & Swasti Gupta

    Curious about how economics shapes the world around you? It’s not all about GDP and inflation. In this episode, we sit down with Tuli Saha and Swasti Gupta from the Bank of England to explore the many different paths within economics and how there’s a niche for everyone—whether you love data, policy, social issues, or global markets. Tuli Saha is a Senior Economist and Data Scientist in the Financial Stability Directorate at the Bank of England, using data science to assess financial risks. P...

  4. 03/04/2025

    How to Get More Students Excited About Economics With Annur Chaudhary And Thando Mafa

    Why do so many students overlook it as a subject and career path? And what can we do to change that? In this episode, we’re joined by Thando Mafa and Annur Chaudhary, two passionate Discover Economics Student Ambassadors, who are on a mission to inspire more young people to see the value of economics. Originally from Botswana and Bangladesh, they share their journeys into economics, what made them fall in love with the subject, and how they’re helping students and teachers see its real-...

  5. 02/25/2025

    ‘God, That’s a Lot of Maths!’ Debunking Myths About Economics With Arywen Morris & Susannah East

    Think economics is just for those who love maths and follow the traditional university route? It’s time to think again. In this episode, we chat with Arywen Morris and Susannah East, two degree apprentices working in economics. They share their journeys, from overcoming a fear of maths to choosing apprenticeships over university, challenging common misconceptions and highlighting how economics can drive social change. Arywen is a degree apprentice economist working on freight and motoring services policy for the UK government. Susannah works at the Offi ce for National Statistics, researching regional GDP and economic wellbeing. They both share insights into breaking into economics, why apprenticeships can be a game-changer, and how economics shapes the world. Whether you’re a student curious about economics or a teacher looking for new career pathways for your students, this episode offers valuable insights. In this episode, we cover: Have we found the root cause of the gender gap in economics?The two traits that matter more than any degree.3 compelling reasons to turn down top university offers in favour of an apprenticeship.The unexpected school subject that’s perfect training for a career in economics.How adding numbers to your arguments makes you instantly more persuasive. How and why schools should introduce students to economics early.The simplest way to explain economics to anyone.One type of economist you should never trust.How schools can use LinkedIn to help educate students. LEARN MORE LEAF - https://www.leaf.courses/ Office for National Statistics Careers - https://careers.ons.gov.uk/ Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk LISTEN How Did I Get Here? from Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk/podcast Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ymip1H9Tpy5kBInSEJrUz?si=4b4013bcadd24a14 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-did-i-get-here-from-discover-economics/id1557268390

  6. 02/18/2025

    How Curiosity (And A Good Story) Can Shape A Career In Economics With Karen Ward

    Economics is more than numbers and theories - it’s about the questions we ask and the stories we tell. In this episode, Karen Ward shares her journey into economics, proving that a passion for understanding the world can open doors you never expected. Karen is the Managing Director and Chief Market Strategist for EMEA at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Before that, she worked at HSBC’s Investment Bank, contributed to key economic research on global trends, and advised the UK government on major...

  7. 02/11/2025

    REAL World Experts Explain How Apprenticeships Are Opening New Doors in Economics

    What if you could shape the future of economics without a traditional university degree? Apprenticeships are unlocking new pathways for the next generation of economists. In this episode, we sit down with a dynamic group from the Health Foundation’s REAL Centre (Research and Economic Analysis for the Long-Term), which provides independent research to help shape the future of health and social care.  Our guests include Hannah-Rose Douglas (Assistant Director), Ann Raymond (Economist), Zeyad Issa (Economist), George Stevenson (Apprentice), and Ashley Fernando (Apprentice).  Together, we discuss their unique journeys into economics, the value of apprenticeships, and how that diversity strengthens decision-making in the field. Whether you’re a student, educator, or career changer, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about how to enter a career in economics - and its real-world impact. In this episode, we cover: Why traditional university routes aren’t the only option. The hidden value of bringing young apprentices to the table.The role of economics beyond profit - how it influences social policy, healthcare, and inequality.How apprentices are busting the ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ myth. ‘Why is no one asking this question?’ The unexpected skills that might put off some students, but attract others.What are the prospects of having a career in economics?Why economics is a good choice for people with neurodiversity.  The future of economics should reflect the diversity of the world it serves. Tune in to hear how these economists and apprentices are helping to open doors for the next generation. LEARN MORE The Health Foundation’s REAL Centre https://www.health.org.uk/about-the-real-centre Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk  LISTEN How Did I Get Here? from Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk/podcast  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ymip1H9Tpy5kBInSEJrUz?si=4b4013bcadd24a14  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-did-i-get-here-from-discover-economics/id1557268390

  8. 02/04/2025

    Where Are the Women in Economics? With Stephanie Flanders

    From public policy to the price of your morning coffee, economics is everywhere—but who gets to shape it? In this episode, we’re joined by Stephanie Flanders, one of the most influential voices in economic journalism, to explore the many ways economics shapes the world—and how we can make the field more diverse and inclusive. Stephanie Flanders is the Senior Executive Editor for Economics at Bloomberg and the head of Bloomberg Economics. Previously, she was the BBC’s Economics Editor, Chief Market Strategist for Europe at JP Morgan, and an advisor to the US Treasury. She’s spent her career breaking down complex economic issues and making them accessible to the public.  But how did she get there? And what does she think needs to change in economics today? If you're a student, teacher, or just someone curious about the world, this episode will give you fresh insights into the power of economics and why it needs a broader range of voices. In this episode, we cover: The importance of understanding economics beyond financial markets. How economic decisions impact everything—from transport to diversity in the workplace.The role of women in economics and why the gender gap still exists.Why broadening the economics pipeline is key to inclusion.The surprising connections between economics, accessibility, and disability rights.How the media shapes public understanding of economics—and why clear explanations matter.Advice for students and teachers on making economics more approachable.The future of economics should be as diverse as the world it impacts—tune in to hear how Stephanie Flanders is helping to shape the conversation. LEARN MORE Stephanie Flanders - https://x.com/MyStephanomics Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk  LISTEN How Did I Get Here? from Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk/podcast  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ymip1H9Tpy5kBInSEJrUz?si=4b4013bcadd24a14  Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-did-i-get-here-from-discover-economics/id1557268390

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What are you going to be when you grow up? A doctor, an astronaut, an engineer, a footballer? Very few people have ever dreamt that one day they would be an economist. It’s a profession on few young people’s radars, is barely understood and, let’s face it, has an image problem. Most people picture economists, if they think about them at all, as “men in suits who are crunching numbers, talking about interest rates and making money”.This series of podcasts aim to challenge – and change – your image of economists. A series of conversations with economists who are working in a variety of different organisations, the podcasts will explore their personal journeys. What inspired them to choose to study economics? How did they get to their current position? What are they currently working on and what are some of the things that they love about economics? ​

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