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Meera Parmar standing next to aa poster for Office for National Statistics

The flexibility of the BSc Economics course stood out to Meera when applying to university.  She was particularly looking for the opportunity to study modules wider than economics, especially to continue learning Spanish. This, alongside a wide array of interesting economics modules, was appealing since it allowed her to align her degree to the areas of economics that most interest her as well as pick up new subjects along the way.

Following her graduation, Meera swiftly moved to a role as an Assistant Economist in the Government Economic Service. At the Office for National Statistics, she works on important research and analysis at a time when statistics are even more crucial to inform the public and policy.  

“I frequently make use of the knowledge I built throughout my degree in my day-to-day job which, for me, is the best outcome I could hope for following my four years at Reading.”

Building blocks to a rewarding career

The support and encouragement offered by the Department helped Meera pursue a placement year opportunity. She originally started on a three-year degree programme but, by the end of the first year, she was convinced that a placement year would be a really valuable asset to kick-start her career and experience the working world.

“I was offered a role as part of the Government Economic Service. It was because of this placement that I had the opportunity to apply for a graduate job at the end of my placement – which I was successful in – and  I  also discovered my passion for the role of economists in government and all the interesting work that I am now able to jump into. I now, more than ever, recognise the importance and value of placement years and I actively encourage placement students I meet to make the most of their year in industry.”

Throughout her degree, Meera felt fully involved in the department, working at Open Days, volunteering as an ambassador and representing the Economics Department at the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology.

"I built strong relationships with my lecturers who were very approachable and always willing to chat which, in turn, gave me more confidence in my skills as an economist. In fact, the lecturers in the Department constantly encouraged us to ask questions, approach them with anything we did not understand and always made time to support us. This allowed me to feel comfortable in raising issues, however small, as they were always delighted to help. This confidence has been invaluable to carry into my new role."