Esther Morgan
Esther is currently studying a BSc Business Economics at the University of Reading in Berkshire. She has just completed her year in industry with Microsoft as a Technical Advisor with the global Commercial Presales and Delivery team. She says: “A year in industry/placement year is something I heavily recommend to students, regardless of the degree they are taking - mine was genuinely life and career changing!”
Why did you choose to study economics?
I really enjoyed the A-Level course I took at school and wanted to develop these interdisciplinary skills.
How would you describe economics?
To me, Economics is the study of human behaviour and their decisions in the face of scarcity. If we strip the ancillary elements from any issue (social, political, economic), we are generally left with supply and demand; this economic model is extremely powerful.
If you had a time machine and could meet your 16-year-old self, what advice would you give them?
Look at the bigger (macro) picture! A subject like Economics will never depreciate and offers a solid foundation in any industry/sector. A degree in Economics certainly doesn’t narrow down your options, in fact, it equips you with a broad range of skills and knowledge that can be applied to a wealth of diverse careers.
What is your favourite part of economics?
Economics is everywhere. I enjoy learning economic theory/models and seeing how they apply to real-world scenarios. There are few subjects out there that can offer such a tangible relationship to everyday life and for me, that is empowering.
Is there anything you would do differently if you had the chance?
The world of Economics can be particularly male dominated (though this is rapidly improving) so for me, I would approach the field with greater confidence and be empowered by the fact I am a female I this industry. There are some truly inspiring female economists out there such as Esther Duflo, Gita Gopinath and Janet Yellen.
I now view it as a privilege to be a female in this sector and have the opportunity to make a real difference at both a micro and macro level.