research assistant Review

Certainly the best placement you can get if you are interested in macroeconomics and are considering a career as an economist or studying econometrics at a masters or PHD level. You get an indepth view of the running of a central bank and are surrounded by some of the most talent people in the field of economics. I get to interact for MPC members which is very exciting and everyone at the Bank is very kind and supportive.

My colleagues rely on me to complete data and excel tasks so I do feel valued although there are times I feel like I'm not used effectively within the department as my workload can be quite small at quiet times.

I get great support from my manager and I feel confident at asking him any questions or asking for feedback.

I am reasonably busy most of the time but this does depend on the monthly cycle. I only tend to work 9-5 but now and then I'm required to work longer to meet deadlines. There are occasions where I don't have any work do so I have to be responsible for asking around the department if anyone needs any help.

I write up a policy discussion meeting once a month for the 4 External MPC members so I do feel like my role is of real significance as it could potentially influence their opinions. I also get to help create graphs that get used in External speeches which it is really exciting as these can be viewed by anyone on the Bank's website. Overall I think I am given a good level of responsibility and there are options available if I want to take some initiative and ask for more. Obviously the economists I work for are at such a high level there is always a limit to what I am capable of doing which may differ to other types of placements.

I definitely feel this placement will be a huge help when I return to my studies, especially for my macro and statistics modules because I will have a much greater understanding of the economy and policy decision making in the real world. My placement will also be very beneficial in helping me find a graduate role as its such a unique experience and I have gained excellent skills in excel and problem solving. The role doesn't directly lead to a graduate position as you will still have to complete a writing task and attend an assessment centre and to progress in monetary analysis at the bank most positions do require a masters or above. I don't think I will be reapplying to work at the Bank because I don't want to become an Economist or take a masters but this has definitely been the most exciting year and I would strongly encourage anyone to apply if they are interested in the macro economy.

General atmosphere was calm as most people were quietly working on their own tasks but we did have group discussions and go out for team drinks now and then. Cake in the office on a Friday was nice.

The placement was reasonably well organised, though there maybe could have been more events or activites put on for the sandwich students as these stopped after the first month.

They were very willing to invest in me. They paid for me to go on excel courses and my team were always happy to help me when I had questions about my work or didn't understand some of the more challenging economic discussions.

Not that great as you still have to reapply (you only miss the first application stage) but overall I think you would still stand a good chance at getting a role. Some departments in the Bank your skills are more specialised that others and don't rely on higher level academic qualifications like markets might stand a better chance of getting a job afterwards.

Nice social scene as there were a group of 30 of us when we started. We would sit together at lunch and we had lots of nights out together in london.

The city is obviously very expensive but this would be the same on an placement and most for most of london.

Whole of london to choose from so excellent.

yes lots of options from volunteering, sport, social societies etc.