Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme

What does an Assistant Economist do? 

The Government Economic Service (GES) is at the heart of decision-making in the UK Government. Our 3,500+ economists work across more than 70 departments and agencies, from HM Treasury to the UK Space Agency! We are the largest employer of economists in the country.

As an Assistantassistant Economisteconomist in government, you will have the opportunity to influence how the government responds to the most important public policy challenges of the day. You could be producing analysis, collating and analysing data, providing advice on policy options, and preparing vital briefings for ministers. 

You will join a vibrant and supportive economics community. You will be supported to develop your economics and wider skills and to build a network of colleagues across government. You will be able to access learning and development within your department and participate in the GES programme of regular events. As your career develops, you will have the opportunity to seek roles across the Civil Service. 

Learn more about the benefits of working for the Government Economic Service.

Who is eligible?

ToApplicants must be eligible you need to have, or be on track to receive, a firstfirst - or orupper-second upperclass honours degree second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in economics, or a postgraduate degree in economics.  economics.   

YouBy August of mustthe hold,year oryou expectapply, you tomust receivehold at byleast one August of your application year,  one of the following:following: 

• an

  An undergraduate degree economics degreein economics   

• a

  A jointjoint economics degree, where economicsat degreeleast 50% of in which least 50% of the coursecredit value of all modules studied is modules studied are in economicsin economics 

• a postgraduate degree in economicseconomics 

All candidates must have studied both micro and macroeconomics to qualify.

If you graduated more than five years ago then you must give examples of how you have maintained your economic knowledgeknowledge on the application form.

Nationality requirements

• Please note that it is possible to meet the nationality requirements and still not be legally entitled to work in the relevantUK.
• Individuals sectionwill ofneed to demonstrate their eligibility under the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs).
• Candidates must have the applicationright form.to work in the UK, as we do not offer sponsorship.

For full details please see Nationality requirements.

What development opportunities will I get?

We take your development seriously. While earning a competitive salary, you will be able to receive plenty of support to further your development as an economist. You will broaden your subject knowledge through 50 hours of continuous professional development a year and a further 50 hours on personal skills.

We offer plenty  of learning opportunities to help you develop:

• strong quantitative skills: you will become an expert in manipulating and presenting data
• writing and presentation techniques: communicating economics clearly and succinctly to senior officials and ministers
• applied economics skills: using economic insights and techniques to inform policy on anything from the environment to transport.

Where will I work?

Opportunities are available in a range of government departments across the UK. Locations vary according to government department and differ from year-to-year. Please see the job descriptions which are included on the application page during the application window.

What will I get paid?

Salary varies according to government department and differs from year-to-year. Please see the job descriptions which are included on the application page during the application window for salary details.

Apply now