Chris Burningham

BScEc Economics

I have just completed a Year in Employment at HM Treasury. After completing an online application and progressing through their initial processes I was invited to attend an interview at the Treasury’s offices in London. After just a few days I had received a response from HM Treasury informing me that they would like to offer me a placement, which I was delighted to accept.

I was part of the economics group working in the Business Sector and Trade Branch. One of my main roles involved analysing and summarising the most recent data regarding the high level macroeconomic indicators within business (such as trade/services/manufacturing etc). My other roles included adhoc fact checking for speeches and working with the media at the Budget; both G7 and G8.

One of the major benefits of completing a Year in Employment was that I was able to see the application of economics in the real world. After studying the subject for four years it was really interesting to see how different the real world applications can be. It has also given me an idea of what I would like to do after completing my studies at Aberystwyth. After working full-time for a year in a fast moving, deadline based placement I think I have learnt a lot about time management, carrying out tasks and staying organised, which will no doubt help keep me on track in my final year. Drawing in some of the knowledge I have gained during my Year in Employment will hopefully broaden my answers to questions in my final year of study.