Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme

Job Details

Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme

Do you want to build a brilliant and meaningful career as an economist, working on some of the UK's most important issues? Then apply to our Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme! 

As an Assistant Economist, you will have the opportunity to influence how the government responds to the most important public policy topics of the day. You could find yourself collating and analysing data, providing advice on policy options, and preparing vital briefings for ministers.  

There are so many benefits to working in government. Here are just a few:

• Meaningful work that that makes a difference to society
• Wide range of government departments across the UK
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Flexible working 
• 25 days annual leave (+8 public holidays)
• Generous pension scheme
• Inclusive working environment

Who is eligible?

To be eligible you need to have, or be on track to receive, a first or upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in economics, or a postgraduate degree in economics.  

By August 2025 you must hold one of the following: 

• an economics degree 
• a joint economics degree in which least 50% of the course modules studied are in economics 
• a postgraduate degree in economics 

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 knowledge in the relevant section of the application form.  

Join our online Q&A session

We will be hosting a virtual Q&A session where you will be able to hear from some of our current Assistant Economists and ask any questions you may have about the role and recruitment process. This will take place on Tuesday 11 February, 16:30-17:30 and joining details are on the application webpage. 

“I have worked on issues ranging from children and poverty to pensions and welfare. In the Climate Change Committee, our advice affects everything from the vehicles we drive and the food we eat, to the places we work and live.”

Ramesh, Economist, The Climate Change Committee

About The Government Economic Service

Hello. We are the Government Economic Service (GES), the professional body for economists in the Civil Service. With over 3,500 members, we are the largest recruiter of economists in the country. We recruit student, graduate, and apprentice economists and support their professional development in more than 50 government departments and in locations across the UK.

If you want to gain practical experience and use your economics skills to make a difference, then join the UK Government for a paid student placement. We offer both Sandwich Placements and Summer Placements. You would spend time working in a government department on real world economic issues, before returning to your studies. The job could involve analysing data, providing advice on policy options, and preparing briefings for officials and ministers. 

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.