Who I Am

My name is Rohan, and I’m an Economic Advisor at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. I’ve previously worked on border security at the Home Office, inflation forecasting at the OBR, and the Covid-19 economic response in the Cabinet Office.

The Path That Led Me Here

I’ve always been drawn to economics, which led me to a placement year in Global Markets at a bank, focusing on macro research. It was a fascinating introduction to financial markets and gave me valuable insight into how economic theory plays out in the real world. While I enjoyed the fast-paced environment, I found myself increasingly curious about how economics could shape public policy.

That’s when I came across the Civil Service Fast Stream – a path I hadn’t seriously considered before. The opportunity to explore different roles, develop as an economist, and contribute to real-world decisions really appealed to me. It felt like the perfect way to combine analytical thinking with impact.

Getting My Foot in the Door

My Civil Service journey began straight from university, via the Fast Stream. The application process was a steep learning curve! I remember the online tests being particularly daunting, and balancing assessment centre prep with final exams was intense. Online resources were a lifeline. I found that thorough research and being authentic were key. It’s worth noting the process has probably changed quite a bit since then, with a lot more virtual elements. Honestly, the process itself, despite the stress, was surprisingly engaging. It was about learning, adapting, and proving you could handle a challenge.

A Day in My Life

My career in the Civil Service has been wonderfully varied, and my current role as an Economic Advisor at DESNZ is no exception. It’s a dynamic position where I work closely with policy teams – meaning no two days are quite the same.

On a typical day, I might be developing economic evidence through research and modelling to inform policy decisions. I contribute to ministerial submissions, making sure they’re backed by appropriate analysis, and often collaborate with external researchers to bring fresh perspectives into our work. I also carry out cost-benefit analyses for a range of projects and help shape long-term analytical plans.

What I enjoy most is the direct impact this work can have on real-world policy. It’s challenging and fast-paced, but also incredibly rewarding. The variety keeps things interesting – from working across government departments to tracking the evolution of climate and energy policy. With net zero high on both domestic and global agendas, it’s a space that’s constantly changing and always relevant.

Lessons That Shaped My Career

My journey has been shaped by pivotal moments that pushed me to grow.

My placement year in Global Markets, working in the Macro Strategy team, was my “welcome to the real world” moment. I joined during a period of major political and economic shifts – the aftermath of the Brexit vote and the election of Donald Trump. I focused on research across equity, FX, and fixed income markets, gaining a front-row seat to how global events ripple through financial systems. It was fast-paced, intellectually intense, and a great foundation early in my career.

Over time, I found myself increasingly curious about how economics informs public policy. That interest eventually led me to the Civil Service – and nothing could have prepared me for the Covid-19 Taskforce. Talk about a trial by fire. We were advising on policy at warp speed, under intense pressure. That’s where I learned to adapt quickly and deliver meaningful analysis even when the situation was constantly evolving. It really hit home how much impact timely economic advice can have.

Then came the OBR – forecasting inflation during turbulent price spikes. It was like diving headfirst into applied economic theory. Later, managing a team while working on border security policy introduced a whole new level of leadership and strategic thinking.

Honestly, those moments – the pressure, the pace, the unknowns – have been my best teachers. They’ve sharpened my judgment, built resilience, and reinforced the importance of clear, confident communication. It’s been about learning fast, staying sharp, and making it count.

What I Wish I Knew Earlier

If I could go back and whisper some advice to my younger self – or to anyone considering a Civil Service career, especially as an economist – it’d be this: explore the GES Degree Level Apprenticeship. Seriously, the benefits are huge. You get a university degree, real-world experience, a salary, and avoid the weight of student debt. That’s a massive head start.

The Civil Service is also a vast landscape of opportunity. Don’t feel boxed in. Your interests might lead you to roles you never imagined – I’ve moved from forecasting to security, policy, and climate. Some of the best roles are the ones you didn’t plan for, so stay open to those sideways moves.

Embrace uncertainty. Public sector work doesn’t always come with clean data or perfect clarity – there are political pressures, competing priorities, and moving goalposts. Learning to make good decisions in that kind of environment is one of the most valuable skills you can build.

For applications, especially when you’re asked about behaviours, master the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It’s your storytelling superpower – and it makes your experience easy to follow.

And finally, impact doesn’t always come from big gestures. Small, consistent contributions matter. Be curious, be proactive, and if you can, find a good mentor. Having someone to bounce ideas off and help you navigate early decisions can make a real difference.