UK WEN Inspirational Talk: University of Leeds

On 12 March, the University of Leeds hosted a Royal Economic Society UK Women in Economics Network (UK WEN) Inspire event for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The event was opened by Professor Annina Kaltenbrunner, Professor of Global Economics and Director of Research in the Economics Department at the University of Leeds. In her welcome remarks, she highlighted the importance of initiatives that encourage greater diversity within the economics profession. She reflected on how economics is sometimes perceived in narrow ways and emphasised that the discipline plays an important role in understanding societal challenges and improving policy outcomes. She also mentioned the department’s commitment to real-world and pluralist economics and its efforts to create an inclusive environment for students pursuing the discipline.

Dr Maria Psyllou, Senior Teaching Fellow in Economics and Public Policy at Imperial College London and a UK WEN Steering Committee member and Inspire Initiative Lead, then briefly introduced the work of the network and the goals of the Inspire Initiative. She discussed how the initiative organises events across UK universities aimed at inspiring and encouraging students, particularly women and those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue and remain in economics. She also highlighted the wider activities of UK WEN in building professional networks and fostering supportive communities within the discipline.

The first talk was delivered by Nishat Anjum, Senior Data Scientist at the Bank of England, who shared reflections on her career journey across economics and data science at the Bank of England. Drawing on her experience, she discussed how her early interest in development economics and public policy led her to pursue a career in economic analysis. She also reflected on how her role evolved over time as she developed additional skills in data science, emphasising the importance of remaining open to new opportunities and continuing to build complementary skills throughout one’s career. She also encouraged students not to feel pressured to follow a perfectly linear career path, highlighting the value of curiosity, adaptability, and networking in professional development.

The second talk was delivered by Elizabeth Martindale, Senior Economist at Oxford Economics, who spoke about careers in economic consultancy and the private sector. She reflected on her professional journey, from studying economics and working in finance to specialising in development economics before joining Oxford Economics. Elizabeth discussed the wide range of projects economists work on in consultancy, including forecasting, policy analysis, and impact assessments, and highlighted the many different pathways available within the profession. She also encouraged students to explore their interests and remain open to opportunities, noting that career paths often develop over time.

The final presentation was delivered by Dr Bianca Orsi, Lecturer in Economics and Director of Internationalisation in the Economics Department at the University of Leeds, who provided insights into academic career paths. She spoke about her own journey into economics and reflected on the different aspects of academic work, including teaching, research, mentoring, and policy engagement. Dr Orsi also discussed some of the challenges women may encounter within the profession and emphasised the importance of mentorship, professional networks, and confidence in navigating academic careers. She also encouraged students to develop confidence in their perspectives and to seek supportive academic communities throughout their careers.

The talks were followed by an engaging panel Q&A session hosted by Maria Psyllou, during which students asked thoughtful questions about career choices, skill development, and working in different sectors of the economics profession.

Following the formal programme, participants continued discussions during a networking reception, providing an opportunity for students to engage further with the speakers and organisers.

The event was open to undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of Leeds and was sponsored by the Economics Department at the University of Leeds. It was organised in collaboration with the Royal Economic Society UK Women in Economics Network (UK WEN).

Event organisers: Irene Mussio, Bianca Orsi, and Esra Ugurlu (University of Leeds), and Maria Psyllou (Imperial College London and UK WEN).