There’s never been a more interesting time to be a politics and economics graduate. International affairs continue to dominate the news agenda, with the ongoing bailout talks around the Greek crisis, Isis continuing to cause concern in the Middle East and the UK government pledging to hold a referendum on leaving the EU.
But how can graduates use the expert knowledge and skills gained during their degree to forge a successful career?
The civil service, for example, recruits numerous economists. “Graduates may go on to specialise in a specific branch of their discipline, such as agriculture or industry, but many are sought by insurance companies and financial sectors,” says Margaret Holbrough, careers adviser at Graduate Prospects. “The public and private sectors alike recruit economics and politics graduates, so the opportunities are wide-ranging.”
These grads are also well paid: Cambridge economics graduates were found to be the highest-paid university leavers, earning more than £30,000 just six months after graduating.
So how can you use your economics and politics degree to get a job? What relevant skills have you gained from your degree? And what careers suit a politics and economics background? Join us on Wednesday 22 July from 1–3pm BST for a live chat with the experts. We’ll be discussing:
- Job options for graduates who have studied economics and politics.
- Ways to find a job that’s relevant to your skills and experience.
- How to perfect your graduate applications.
The Q&A takes place in the comments section below this article. Taking part is easier than ever: create a free Guardian account, or log in using your Twitter or Facebook profiles to comment. Alternatively, you can tweet us @GuardianCareers or email your questions to charlotte.seager@theguardian.com who can post them for you.
Panel
Dr Stuart Thomson is head of Public Affairs at Westminster-based law firm Bircham Dyson Bell. Thomson advises clients on public affairs strategies including political consultation. He has also written a number of books on politics and is an honorary research fellow at the University of Aberdeen.
Charlie Ball is head of Higher Education Intelligence at Prospects, the UK’s leading graduate careers expert. He is currently undertaking research into the employment destinations and career motivations of graduates.
Jonathan Pearson is a senior researcher at the Institute for Government. Prior to this he was projects coordinator for the New City Initiative, a membership group examining ways to better regulate the independent financial sector.
Fiona Richardson is senior careers consultant for The Careers Group, University of London, based at King’s College London. She provides careers advice to economics and politics graduates and also edits the careers blog Peace, Politics and Policy.
Dr Steve McCabe is an economist, business expert, lecturer and active researcher at Birmingham City University. Steve has worked at the university for over 25 years and has experience of economics and politics career options in academia.
Jon Gregory is a university careers fair visitor who advises students on careers choices. He’s the author of “Winning That Job”, a guide for students and graduates, editor of win-that-job.com and a regional ambassador for National Careers Week.
Tanya de Grunwald is the founder of careers site Graduate Fog, and is best known for campaigning for fair pay for interns. She writes about graduate career options and is author of How to Get a Graduate Job in a Recession.
Jeremy I’Anson is the author of career advice books and writes as a career expert for many national publications. He has over 20 years’ experience in the recruitment industry and also provides expert advice to graduates.
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