By Eloise Tan
Why did you decide to do a placement?
I wanted to gain some extra work experience to add to my CV to make me more employable. I also wanted a better idea of what career I would want after I graduate.
Why did you decide to apply to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)?
I wanted a placement where i could directly apply my economics degree, i am also very interest in development economics and trade so I was happy to be assigned this department.
What was the application process like?
I had to fill in the application and 2 paragraphs on examples where I have demonstrated civil service behaviours. I then had to complete a basic maths test and an interview where I had to answer 2 economics questions one micro and one macro.
Can you tell us a bit more about your specific role and the skills you have learned?
I work in the trade for development team in the FCDO. This team is responsible projects such as ensuring trade agreements don’t negatively impact developing countries and running programmes aimed at increasing the trade potential of developing countries. In my specific role I spent time working on the economic trade response to the Russia invasion, such as mapping the trade of vital Russian exports. I worked on some briefing for ministers and working with datasets to calculate the impacts of tariff removals. I have learned practical skills in excel and built on my trade and development economic knowledge.
What are you most looking forward to when you come back to UEA to do your final year?
I am excited to be back around my friends in Norwich because I love the city! I am also looking forward to studying the development economics module.
What advice would you offer to students looking to do a placement?I would say for the interviews and applications take some quick online courses where appropriate for the job. This will show your interest in the field and make you stand out. When you get your placement make the most of it you can, take every opportunity given to you and network as much as possible!