Graduate Recruitment
Update: ***28th November 2024 – applications have now closed.***
About Us
Oxford Economics is the world’s foremost independent economic advisory firm. We enable intelligent and responsible decision-making through the provision of timely, data-driven economic and business insights and solutions our clients trust.
Our economists are experts at applying innovative economic models and research tools to provide valuable insights into essential business, financial, and policy issues. Oxford Economics is a global organisation employing over 300 economists with extensive industry, financial, and public-sector experience.
As a fast-growing, independent consultancy with a global reach, our goals are to provide outstanding analysis, forecasting and analytical tools for our clients, and challenging and rewarding careers for our staff.
The Programme
We have an opportunity for exceptional economics graduates to join our teams in London and Belfast. This two-year scheme places successful candidates in six-month rotations, with opportunities across our teams including: Macro Forecasting; Economic Impact; Macro Consulting; Cities and Regions; Scenarios and Macro Modeling; Tourism Economics; and Global Industry. The rotating nature of this program, coupled with comprehensive on-the-job training, will allow you to gain in-depth practical knowledge and professional experience related to your academic and extracurricular background.
The Role
As a Assistant Economist, you will be working closely with experienced economists and will be expected to take responsibility for your work from an early stage. You will contribute to Oxford Economics’ services by working with our large global team of economists on a variety of projects, including forecasting, policy analysis and bespoke economic impact modelling.
As you rotate between teams, you will have the opportunity to work on Oxford Economics’ global macro, city and sectoral forecasts and prepare articles on topical economic issues; develop econometric forecasting tools; undertake ‘what if’ scenario analysis; or assist senior economists on a variety of consultancy projects.
By the end of the programme, you will be able to:
- Apply your formal economics training to real world issues
- Interact confidently with clients and the media to explain your work
- Manage your time efficiently and balance several competing priorities
- Apply a range of analytical techniques and software packages to bring insight
- Write concisely and with impact on complex issues
The Teams
During your two years in the rotation programme, you will work in four of the following teams. Please rank your top three choices in your covering letter and we will take these preferences into account when processing your application.
Macro Forecasting and Analysis (London)
Using the Oxford Economics Global Economic Model, the macro forecasting and analysis team produces forecasts for GDP, inflation, interest rates and hundreds of other indicators for more than 200 countries updated twice a month. The team also produces written analysis on the implications of the latest economic data and policy news, and in-depth research on the critical issues that will shape the performance of economies and financial markets.
Cities and Regions (London and Belfast)
National-level economic analysis provides only a partial guide to the dynamics unfolding in the world’s major urban centres. Our unique suite of forecasting services covers over 8,000 cities and regions across the world, providing regularly updated data, forecasts and analysis for each location. Our city consultants also work in the areas of urban and regional development, bespoke model building and location benchmarking.
Global Industry (London)
Our global industry team provides historical and forecast data on production, investment and profit trends at a granular level for over 100 sectors in 77 countries to inform our clients’ business planning. It also undertakes detailed bespoke forecasting on prospects and risks to clients’ own product sales and input costs.
Macro Consulting and Scenarios and Macro Modelling (Belfast and London)
Our clients need to understand the implications of the major risks to the world economy for their businesses, whether from rapidly rising inflation, geopolitical events or climate change. Our Global Economic Model is the ideal tool for quantifying the impact of these risks, both for our Global Scenarios and Climate Services, and on a bespoke basis (e.g., for stress tests required by banks). Our macro consulting and scenarios teams also undertake research to position our clients as thought leaders on topical issues.
Economic Impact (London)
We show the social, environmental, and economic impact of our clients’ activities and help communicate these to key stakeholders. Our work ranges from in-depth modelling and quantification of the effects of economic policy changes for governments to detailed quantification of the footprint of companies on particular communities.
Tourism Economics (London and Belfast)
Tourism Economics is an Oxford Economics company dedicated to forecasting and analytical consulting in the tourism sector. We combine an understanding of the travel sector with proven economic tools to answer the most important questions facing our clients. Our work ranges from tracking, modelling and forecasting travel sector performance, to quantifying the economic impact of visitors, events and destination marketing, to conducting policy and market analysis and bespoke research. We provide quarterly updated global forecasts to clients which cover 185 countries and over 300 cities, consistent with the economic outlook for origins and destinations.
Training Opportunities
Graduate Economists will have the opportunity to partake in a diverse range of training opportunities, including formal training sessions designed to support you in reaching your professional and personal development goals. You will be supported by comprehensive training on the unique technical and business skills needed to handle economics projects, forecasts, and research.
Other training helps you to hone your communication, project management, presentation, and advanced econometric and Excel skills. This training will be delivered via short courses, on-the-job training, and a group project.
Your first few weeks at Oxford Economics will include a carefully curated schedule of training with leading economists, HR professionals, marketing, and program alumni. You will learn more about the work of all of the teams across Oxford Economics and get practical training on topics such as:
- Haver, Power BI and Tableau
- Econometrics applications
- Data tools
- Writing skills
The Working Environment
Although a large global organisation with more than 500 staff in total, we strive to retain the best features of our original start-up environment. We cultivate entrepreneurial thinking by supporting staff to pursue opportunities and map their own career paths. This means an informal but hard-working culture. We offer a hybrid working model for our graduates, with three days in the office and two days from home.
With more than 20 offices around the world, you will have the opportunity to explore your interests on a global scale. As well as working hard, we encourage employees to volunteer in the community. There are regular social events and staff parties, and more informal lunchtime and evening activities, often organised by individuals.
Requirements
Oxford Economics’ graduate employment program is for high-achieving candidates with a passion for economics who want to apply their understanding of economics to real world issues. You must be able to put together logical economic arguments and explain them convincingly to economists and non-economists alike. You will need to be a fast learner with strong analytical skills and keen attention to detail. You should be comfortable meeting tight deadlines and working under your own initiative.
Successful candidates are highly numerate and have excellent technical skills. They work well with others, take responsibility for the quality and timeliness of their work, and demonstrate a creative approach to problem-solving. The ability to communicate clearly and concisely is essential, as is fluency in English.
We welcome applications from those who meet the following requirements:
- A degree in economics or a closely related subject, and a good grasp of economic theory
- An excellent academic record; expected grade of 2:1 and above
- Fluent English, both written and spoken
- Proficiency in Excel
- Experience using economic analysis and a variety of data in course work
- Experience with the manipulation of datasets and software such as Access/ Stata/ EViews is a plus
- Some work experience, whether paid or voluntary is highly desirable
How To Apply
Please submit a CV and covering letter to [email protected]
In your covering letter please 1) list the three teams you would prefer to complete rotations with during the programme, and 2) whether you prefer to be based in London or Belfast.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting from Friday, 27th September, so we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible for consideration. We acknowledge all applications and will contact you by email if we wish to proceed with your candidacy.
Oxford Economics is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by the law.