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

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

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

Think economics is just about banks, budgets, and boring number crunching? Think again.

In this episode, we’re chatting with Max Wood, an economics graduate who’s taken his degree in a completely different direction—into the world of content creation.

Max studied economics at Bristol University, spending time in Paris and Shanghai before working with Discover Economics. But today, you’ll find him creating videos on YouTube and TikTok, interviewing UK musicians, and breaking down the music industry—all with an economics mindset.

So, how does a subject like economics help in a creative career? And what can it do for your future?

If you're choosing your A-levels, thinking about university, or just want to understand how economics applies to the real world, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

How Max first got into economics—and why he stuck with it.

• What an economics degree actually teaches you (it’s not just maths!).
• The surprising ways economics helps in creative industries.
• How studying economics gives you the confidence to understand big topics like money, business, and politics.
• What it’s like to study economics abroad in Paris and Shanghai.
• How Max transitioned from economics graduate to full-time content creator.
• Why understanding economics can help musicians and artists avoid bad industry deals.
• How not to get duped by the things you see in the media.
• Max’s advice for anyone choosing a university course.

Economics is everywhere—and it can take you anywhere. Listen now to hear how Max made it work for him!

LEARN MORE

BTB Max - https://www.youtube.com/@btbmax

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

Can’t We Just Print More Money? was written by Bank of England economists Rupal Patel and Jack Meaning and offers an accessible introduction to economics themed around ten questions including ‘Why are so many of my clothes made in Asia?’ ‘Why aren’t Freddos 10p any more?’ and ‘What even is money?’.

Every state secondary school in the UK has been sent a six-lesson resource for GCSE English students based on the successful economics book which features extracts, presentation slides and worksheets, along with a copy of the book itself.

Further educational resources and information on early careers can be found here - https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/education

Research Officer at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) since August 2019 and before that, Economist at Reserve Bank of Australia for five years.

Helen Hughson has contributed to research on tax policy (including the work of the UK Wealth Tax Commission), inequality, and migration, in her role as a Researcher at the London School of Economics. Previously, she worked for five years at the Reserve Bank of Australia on labour market and international developments, and co-authored working papers on household responses to monetary policy and the market for overnight cash in Australia. Helen holds a MSc in Economics from University College London.

Expertise Details

Tax policy; inequality; migration

Rohin is an independent strategy consultant (specialising in education and learning) and founder of an education technology start-up.

The majority of Rohin's professional work experience has been as a strategy consultant first at Monitor Deloitte and then working independently for a variety of firms. His experience has focussed upon public services (including education), healthcare and technology as well as a number of private equity due diligence assignments. Rohin also spent nine months on secondment to Cabinet Office in 2012 in order to scale National Citizen Service.

In 2017, Rohin founded Think Smart with the aim of tackling the career guidance problem. Think Smart uses problem solving that is sourced directly from professionals in a variety of jobs in order to help people at different stages of their career path think about their next steps in a more informed way. He has worked with clients in Europe and Singapore to date. Rohin also used his start-up experience to help found a new generation mortgage lender: Generation Home. It will allow young people to more easily get onto the housing ladder through the concept of group mortgages.

Rohin has long been passionate about education and spent eight years as a governor of MidKent College, a further education provider based in the Maidstone and Medway areas. He supported mainly on board strategy, understanding the students and their holistic needs and all things digital.

Rohin has an MA in Economics from King's College, Cambridge and an MBA from INSEAD where he was lucky enough to study in both France and Singapore.

https://www.londonmet.ac.uk/about/corporate-governance/board-of-governors/members-of-the-board/rohin-aggarwal/

Osama Rahman was appointed as the Department for Education’s Director of Analysis and Chief Scientific Adviser in April 2018.

He:

• is a member of the Government Economic Service Board
• is a member of the Chief Scientific Advisers Network
• co-chairs the Departmental Directors of Analysis Network
• represents the government’s directors of analysis at the Analysis Function Board

Before joining the Department for Education, Osama spent 14 and a half years at the Ministry of Justice including the Department for Constitutional Affairs before the creation of the MoJ. His most recent role was Director for Analytical Services and Chief Scientific Adviser for 3 and a half years. Prior to that he was Chief Economist for 8 and a half years.

He worked at the Civil Aviation Authority for a year on airports regulation, having spent 10 years as a lecturer and senior lecturer in economics at various UK universities.

DfE Director of Analysis and Chief Scientific Adviser

The Director of Analysis and Chief Scientific Adviser is responsible for:

• the provision of analytical and scientific advice to ministers and senior officials, ensuring that the department’s policies and decisions are informed by the best analytical and scientific evidence
• leading the department’s analytical and scientific community
• working with the wider networks of directors of analysis, Government Economic Service board members, and chief scientific advisers to address cross-departmental issues
• leading on the department’s relationship with external researchers and scientists