Economics and Statistics

Every employer is different so there are no definitive lists here.  These are meant as a guide and should be considered in addition to fully exploring role requirements outlined in person specification, job description and advert for each role you consider applying for.  

Both specialist and transferable skills are required to work within the fields of economics and statistics.  Many roles have a strategic, logical and analytical focus, whilst others are more research-based, requiring strong communication skills.  Below are just some of the skills that many of the roles in the sector require. 

• Analytical skills: Strong ability to process and interpret complex datasets, recognising patterns, and making informed predictions. 

• Research skills: Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including data collection, statistical analysis, and report writing.
• Critical thinking: Ability to assess the validity of sources, understand biases, and construct logical arguments.
• Verbal & written communication skills: Ability to present findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, often through reports, presentations, and briefings.
• Subject matter expertise: Deep knowledge of specific regions, industries, or issues is often required. This could include understanding economic theories, political systems, or social structures.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail: accuracy is hugely important when it comes to statistics, economics and reporting.
• Commercial awareness: an excellent understanding of business, key economic, social and political drivers as well as current affairs (for economic roles). 

To develop these skills, remember Career Zone offers a range of Personal and Professional Development sessions which are available to book on Handshake and run at least once per term. Please also read through the sections about Gaining Experience and Further Study and Professional Development to discover how you can develop your skills through experience and by gaining further knowledge or qualifications.   

All experiences ranging from volunteering, active involvement in clubs/societies can help you to develop relevant and transferable skills. You may wish to consider involvement in: 

Voluntary Work 

Voluntary work experience will give you an opportunity to develop your communication, organisation and other skills.  Perhaps you might also be able to analyse data or make suggestions for improved processes which would provide useful experiences for a working in government or at an NGO.   

• Exeter Students' Guild Volunteering Opportunities
• Handshake
• Students' Union Cornwall Volunteering Opportunities
• Directly approach local reputable charities to ask about volunteering
• Indeed – voluntary work  

University of Exeter Employability Schemes 

• Pathways to Charity and Development: A sector-specific training programme consisting of courses and a paid week-long internship in June or July each year.
• Career Mentor Scheme: An award-winning employability scheme which matches a student or graduate with an experienced professional for sector insight and one-to-one career advice and guidance over a 6-month period.
• Career Zone Internship schemes: Internships can be extremely useful, so try and get relevant vacation work or placements. Search for Student Campus Partner (SCP)or Student Business Partner (SBP) roles on Handshake.
• Exeter Award: The Exeter Award will help you stand out from the crowd and give you the confidence to shout about the experiences you've had at university.
• The Global Leaders Experience is a unique opportunity to develop your intercultural skills as part of a short, outbound mobility experience. 
• Grand Challenges is a project week in June each year in which you work in interdisciplinary groups with other like-minded students to design innovative solutions to real world challenges.
• Other Exeter Employability Schemes can be found here 

Developing Commercial Awareness 

Try to keep up-to-date with industry news and events. This is important for your applications and interviews so you know about recent developments and key news stories. Some suggestions are: 

• The Economist
• The Financial Times – access for free through the library
• The Guardian – Economics section
• Royal Statistical Society Publications 

Networking 

• Use the LinkedIn Alumni tool to connect with Exeter alumni working in this field.  Join relevant sector-specific groups to gain insights and learn more.  

Speculative applications and where to find opportunities 

Undertaking relevant work experience will also allow you to develop new skills and gain a valuable insight into the sector. As jobs and opportunities are not always advertised, it can be useful to develop your networking skills and apply speculatively. Before visiting the sites below you may find it useful to read our Researching employers page. 

Finding Part-time Work  

Many students work part-time during their studies.  Part-time jobs are often found in the hospitality or retail sector where you can gain transferrable interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills.   

Search for part-time work here:

• Handshake.  
• General job sites such as Find a Job or Indeed (filter on “part-time” and “Exeter” or “Penryn”).
• Identify and call into local businesses with your CV to ask about part-time jobs.
• Attend the part-time / casual jobs fair, held twice yearly on Streatham Campus.
• Penryn Campus Careers Fairs 

Virtual Work Experience 

• Forage provides short virtual internships in a range of sectors, with opportunities to connect with employers.
• The Bright Network provides virtual internships in a range of sectors and fast-track opportunities for graduate programmes and internships for virtual-intern alumni. Look out for the Bright Network annual June internship week. 

Competition can be strong, especially for entry-level positions. Use the following resources to find advertised vacancies and get help with researching employers.  

For general information about finding graduate opportunities, please visit our Graduate Jobs page. 

Graduate schemes and internships 

• Civil Service Fast Stream - Graduate Leadership and Management scheme across government departments
• Government Economic Service (GES) – Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme
• Government Economic Service (GES) Summer Scheme
• MI5 – Graduate Development Programmes
• National Graduate Development Programme - The Local Government Graduate Scheme
• UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) 
• BBC Research and Development Graduate Scheme: Although more focused on media and technology, this scheme includes research roles relevant to social sciences, such as audience research and the social impact of media
• Bank of England Internships
• Handshake link to current advertised internships  

Graduate Jobs 

Economist / Statistics  Roles 

• Econ-Jobs
• EconomistJobs
• eFinancialCareers
• Financial Times
• The Economist Jobs Board
• Propects
• Planitplus
• Gradcracker 
• NHS Jobs  

Civil Service & Government 

• Government Analysis Function (part of Office for National Statistics ONS)
• Government Operational Research Service
• Government Actuary's Department
• National Audit Office
• Financial Conduct Authority 
  

Intelligence  

• MI5
• MI6 (Secret Intelligence Service)
• GCHQ- Communications work for linguists, political analysts and IT specialist
• Dstl- Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory 

Recruitment Agencies 

There are a wide range of recruiters who advertise economist, analyst and statistician roles and for graduate and entry-level positions. See Agency Central for a list of specialist recruitment agencies and search by sector. Ensure any recruiters you connect with are members of a professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development or the Recruitment & Employment Confederation.  Some of the main recruitment agencies for economists and statisticians include srs, Murray McIntosh and economistjobs.com Datatech Analytics  

Placements  

If you are interested in finding out more about work placements, you can also access the Work Placements SharePoint via Single Sign-On. This resource covers all aspects of credit-bearing work experiences as part of your degree, including what a placement is, how to apply for them, and bespoke information for international students or those interested in working abroad. 

• Bank of England offers a range of work experience opportunities, including industrial placements 

Local and Regional Opportunities   

• Areas of opportunity in Devon and Cornwall can be explored on the following websites: 

• Devon County Council's Skills Strategy
• Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (CIOS) Skills priority areas 
• Good Growth Plan investments strategy 

Further sources of support 

If you are an international student, visit our international webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally. 

To find opportunities outside the UK use GoinGlobal. 

For help with making speculative applications you may find it useful to read our Researching employers page. 

Some individuals decide to undertake further study to develop their skills and knowledge of the sector and related occupations. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications. Use the sites below to research your further study options.  

Click here to look into Masters Courses around the UK, focused on Economics on the Find a Masters platform.  Or if you would prefer to stay at the University of Exeter, click here.   

Information and links from professional bodies 

If you have studied a related degree, check if your course is accredited by one of the professional bodies. Being a member of a professional body is voluntary; however, it can be valuable for developing networks, continuing your professional development, and generally keeping up to date with what's happening in the sector.  

• Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec): Professional body for cybersecurity professionals, promoting standards and best practices in information security.
• Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA): Professional body for public finance professionals, focusing on financial management and governance in the public sector.
• Chatham House: Leading international affairs think tank, conducting research and analysis on global political, economic, and security issues.
• Institute for Government: Independent think tank dedicated to improving the UK's government effectiveness and public administration.
• Institute for Public Policy Research: Progressive think tank conducting research on social, economic, and environmental policy issues in the UK.
• Institute of Risk Management: Professional body for risk management professionals, offering education and certification in risk management practices.
• International Institute for Strategic Studies: Global think tank specialising in defence, security, and international relations research and analysis.
• Local Government Association: This membership organisation represents local authorities in England and Wales, providing advocacy and support for local government.
• Policy Exchange: Conservative-leaning think tank focused on developing and promoting public policy ideas across a range of issues in the UK.
• Royal Economic Society (RES): Promotes the study of economics and supporting economists through publications, conferences, and research.
• Social Research Association (SRA): Supports social researchers with training, resources, and a community for best practices in social research.
• The Society of Professional Economists: Provides a forum for discussing and developing economic ideas and policy.
• Society for Risk Analysis: Interdisciplinary society dedicated to advancing the science and practice of risk analysis in various fields, including health, environment, and security.
• Royal Statistical Society.
• Association for Clinical Data Management represents clinical research professionals who are passionate about enhancing the drug development process 

Advice 

If you are considering postgraduate or doctoral level study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study.