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 financial decisions.

But she didn’t start with a master plan. Her career was built on taking opportunities, asking questions, and embracing new challenges. That mindset, combined with storytelling skills, helped her stand out in competitive spaces, from job interviews to high-level economic discussions.

In this episode, we cover:

• How 2 new grads stood out among 900 applicants, and how you can too.
• What makes a great economist and why it’s not always about the data.
• How a random summer job can make you infinitely more employable.
• The simple way teachers can engage students in economics.
• One way to get your foot in the door at any company - and it’s not about who you know.
• Why a CV full of A-stars and distinctions could hold you back.
• The one thing to admit during an interview that can set you apart.

Whether you're a student considering your future or a teacher guiding the next generation, Karen’s journey is proof that economics isn’t just something you study - it’s something you experience, question, and shape.

LEARN MORE

J.P. Morgan Asset Management - https://am.jpmorgan.com/gb/en/asset-management/adv/bios/karen-ward/
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