Why There’s a Niche for Everyone in Economics With Tuli Saha & Swasti Gupta Artwork

How Did I Get Here? from Discover Economics

What are you going to be when you grow up? A doctor, an astronaut, an engineer, a footballer? Very few people have ever dreamt that one day they would be an economist. It’s a profession on few young people’s radars, is barely understood and, let’s face it, has an image problem. Most people picture economists, if they think about them at all, as “men in suits who are crunching numbers, talking about interest rates and making money”.This series of podcasts aim to challenge – and change – your image of economists. A series of conversations with economists who are working in a variety of different organisations, the podcasts will explore their personal journeys. What inspired them to choose to study economics? How did they get to their current position? What are they currently working on and what are some of the things that they love about economics?

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How Did I Get Here? from Discover Economics

Why There’s a Niche for Everyone in Economics With Tuli Saha & Swasti Gupta

March 11, 2025 • Two Bees Consulting Ltd • Season 2 • Episode 24

Curious about how economics shapes the world around you? It’s not all about GDP and inflation.

In this episode, we sit down with Tuli Saha and Swasti Gupta from the Bank of England to explore the many different paths within economics and how there’s a niche for everyone—whether you love data, policy, social issues, or global markets.

Tuli Saha is a Senior Economist and Data Scientist in the Financial Stability Directorate at the Bank of England, using data science to assess financial risks. Previously, she worked in macroeconomic forecasting and financial markets.

Swasti Gupta is also a Senior Economist at the Bank of England, with prior experience at HM Treasury, advising ministers on the UK economy, Brexit, and fiscal policy. Now, she helps the Monetary Policy Committee understand financial markets and interest rate decisions.

If you're a student considering economics, a teacher looking to inspire your students, or someone curious about how economics can shape the world, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

Why economics is more than just maths.
The four skills that really set you apart in economics.
The realities of working at the Bank of England and the skills that matter most.
How economics intersects with healthcare, politics, and social issues.
Navigating a career in a traditionally male-dominated field and the importance of representation.
The importance of networking, and taking opportunities as they come.
The importance of being comfortable with uncertainty.
How teachers and parents can support students in exploring careers in economics.
The little known link between diverse managers and their team.

Economics is everywhere, and it can take you anywhere. Listen in to hear how Tuli and Swasti made it work for them, and how you can too!

LEARN MORE

The Bank of England Ambassador Programme - https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/education/school-visits
Bank of England launches economic education quiz with £1000 cash prize - https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2025/january/boe-launches-economic-education-quiz-with-cash-prize
The Bank of England - https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/
Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk

LISTEN

How Did I Get Here? from Discover Economics - https://www.discovereconomics.co.uk/podcast
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ymip1H9Tpy5kBInSEJrUz?si=4b4013bcadd24a14
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-did-i-get-here-from-discover-economics/id1557268390