Economics is about more than models and markets, it’s a way of understanding how the world works and making better decisions about the future.

In this episode, we meet Soumaya Keynes, Economics Columnist at the Financial Times. Soumaya shows how economics isn’t just a subject, but a powerful tool for asking better questions about the world.

Soumaya studied economics at Cambridge before building an impressive career in journalism, including eight years at The Economist and co-hosting Money Talks and Trade Talks. Today, she writes weekly columns for the FT and hosts The Economics Show. Along the way, she’s been flying the flag for greater diversity in economics, sharing what it’s really like to work in the field and why she’s hopeful about its future.

Soumaya shares her journey into economics, offering a refreshing take on what the subject is (and isn’t), why it’s relevant to people who care about real-world problems, and how the skills you learn can take you anywhere.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to use your interests - whether it’s climate change, social justice, or even opera - to find your place in economics.
• How economics helps you make sense of news, politics, and data.
• Why the neatness of maths might hold you back in economics.
• Make better decisions by understanding the difference between correlation and causation.
• Why men disproportionately pick economics and women disproportionately pick subjects like psychology.
• How to identify the secret messages you’re told without knowing you've been told them.
• How to approach uncertainty in a healthy way.
• Advice for students and teachers on accessing economics - whether or not it’s taught at school.

If you’re a student considering your next steps, a student ambassador championing economics, or a teacher eager to open up access to a wider group of young people, you’ll find inspiration and practical advice here.

LEARN MORE

The Core Curriculum - https://www.core-econ.org/

The Economics Show - https://www.ft.com/the-economics-show

The Trade Talks Podcast - https://tradetalkspodcast.com/podcast/

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 studying economics could be the key to understanding the world? Economics isn’t just about money or markets; it’s about solving real-world challenges, from government policies to everyday financial decisions.

In this episode, Fiona Cox, an economist with a PhD and manager at KPMG’s economics team, shares how she lobbied to get economics on her school curriculum and now leads on impact assessments for major investments. Fiona’s journey is proof that economics can open unexpected doors.

If you’ve ever wondered how studying economics can translate into a meaningful career, or even just help you make sense of the world, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why the Young Economist of the Year Award is a great opportunity for students
• What to do if economics isn’t in your school’s curriculum
• Real-world applications of economics beyond finance and banking
• The techniques economists use to give unbiased answers
• How economics is the only course that won’t pigeon-hole you into one career path
• Why you don’t need to be a maths genius to thrive in economics
• The difference between a data scientist and an economist
• What wealth really means
• The big mistake NASA made, and how it could have been avoided

If you’re ready to see economics in a new light, listen in as Fiona Cox shares her insights on making economics more accessible, impactful, and exciting.

LEARN MORE

The Young Economist of the Year Award 2025 opens on the 25th March 2025. Find out how you can get involved: https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk/young-economist-2024-finalists

KPMG - https://kpmg.com/uk/en/home.html

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

Curious about how economics shapes the world around you? It’s not all about GDP and inflation.

In this episode, we sit down with Tuli Saha and Swasti Gupta from the Bank of England to explore the many different paths within economics and how there’s a niche for everyone—whether you love data, policy, social issues, or global markets.

Tuli Saha is a Senior Economist and Data Scientist in the Financial Stability Directorate at the Bank of England, using data science to assess financial risks. Previously, she worked in macroeconomic forecasting and financial markets.

Swasti Gupta is also a Senior Economist at the Bank of England, with prior experience at HM Treasury, advising ministers on the UK economy, Brexit, and fiscal policy. Now, she helps the Monetary Policy Committee understand financial markets and interest rate decisions.

If you're a student considering economics, a teacher looking to inspire your students, or someone curious about how economics can shape the world, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why economics is more than just maths.
• The four skills that really set you apart in economics.
• The realities of working at the Bank of England and the skills that matter most.
• How economics intersects with healthcare, politics, and social issues.
• Navigating a career in a traditionally male-dominated field and the importance of representation.
• The importance of networking, and taking opportunities as they come.
• The importance of being comfortable with uncertainty.
• How teachers and parents can support students in exploring careers in economics.
• The little known link between diverse managers and their team.

Economics is everywhere, and it can take you anywhere. Listen in to hear how Tuli and Swasti made it work for them, and how you can too!

LEARN MORE

The Bank of England Ambassador Programme - https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/education/school-visits
Bank of England launches economic education quiz with £1000 cash prize - https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2025/january/boe-launches-economic-education-quiz-with-cash-prize
The Bank of England - https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/
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