Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself
A: I studied Economics with Development studies in my undergraduate and Local Economic Development in my masters. I knew I wasn’t ready to continue with education at the PhD level so I needed to apply for a job. This is my first career role immediately after university.
Q: What are you like outside of work?
A: Outside work I like to stay active and have fun. I am always on the go either catching up with friends, socialising or participating in events on topics I really care about. The great thing about the Civil Service is that flexible working arrangements are the norm, enabling you to sustain good work-life balance. This is great for me as it allows me to do all the things I need to do outside of work.
Q: Describe the Fast Stream in one sentence?
A: The Government Economics Fast Stream is a great graduate programme, which offers a variety of exciting experiences and opportunities to develop, whilst making a real impact on society.
Q: What are the three best things about the Fast Stream?
A: Work-life balance, colleagues and doing work that has a real impact.
Q: What interested you to apply for the Civil Service Fast Stream programme?
A: I first heard about the Fast Stream during my undergraduate degree in Manchester when a Fast Streamer came to my university and hosted a session explaining what it was about. It wasn’t until I was about to finish the first term of my masters at LSE that I decided to apply.
Q: What attracted you to the programme and the particular stream that you applied for?
A: I knew I always wanted to use economics to improve livelihoods and outcomes so my target was to join the economist stream but I knew that I could apply for three other streams as a back-up. Initially, when I applied I just wanted to see how far I could get through the application process and was keen on gathering the feedback I received along the way.
Q: Please share your experience with the Fast Stream so far?
A: My Fast Stream experience so far has been great, though I would admit that in the beginning it was quite a learning curve and a huge transition from academia to corporate life. In my first year, I have learnt so much - coding models using statistical software to leading and presenting in meetings.
Q: What is your ultimate aim or career ambition after you complete the programme?
A: After I complete the programme, I hope to further develop and refine my skills as an Economist and hopefully use them to contribute to developing countries – an area I am deeply passionate about.
Q: How does the Fast Stream make you feel?
A: Proud to be a civil servant.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in applying for the Civil Service Fast Stream programme?
A: The application process can be tough but with good preparation you can be successful and won’t be disappointed. This is a fantastic stream for anyone looking to use their economic knowledge to make a real difference in people's lives and advising Ministers with technical analysis. Also, great if you value having a life outside work.