The post: Economist, Northern Ireland Civil Service
The post holder: Karen Linnig
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
After graduating in July 2007, I took up a post as an Assistant Economist with Oxford Economics in Belfast. This economic consultancy role provided me with the opportunity to apply my economic skills to a range of projects for public and private sector clients based in Northern Ireland and across the UK. I developed a wealth of skills in economic analysis, report writing and project management and after three years, I fancied a change and took up a Research and Policy Officer position at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. This involved desk-based research and client engagement, gathering evidence to help inform arts and cultural policy in Northern Ireland. In August 2012, I got offered the role of Assistant Economist in the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS).
What was your favourite subject at school?
At school I loved Science and Maths, as well as having a love for languages, having studied both French and Spanish through to A-Level.
Did you go on to further/ higher education, if so, what did you study and where?
I went to Queen’s University in Belfast where I studied Economics with Spanish. I chose this combination as I really enjoyed these subjects at school and knowing that I wanted a career in business, I felt this would be a good combination of skills to have.
How did you get into your area of work?
I had a friend who was working in the civil service at the time. When the job was advertised, he got in touch to let me know and encouraged me to apply. It was good timing as although I was enjoying my role in the Arts Council, I was keen to get back to my roots in Economics and when I read the advert, I was particularly attracted by the wide range of areas that government economists get to work in.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
As a little girl, I always wanted to be an air hostess. It always seemed so glamorous and those who know me know how much I love to travel! By the time I reached my teens I chose triple award science for GCSE because I was going to be a doctor. When the crunch decision came for A-Levels, I totally changed my mind and decided a business pathway would be more suited for me, although not knowing what that might be I kept my options open and chose Economics and languages.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
To enter at Assistant Economist level, no experience is required although you need to have at minimum a 2nd Class Honours Degree with at least half of your course modules in Economics. Although not part of the eligibility criteria, any level of experience is always valuable, no matter what career route you choose.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Being an Economist in the NICS requires you to think outside the box. Our role in evidence-based policy making requires strategic thinking and sound analytical skills. We are often required to interpret and communicate complex and numerical information into something more meaningful for key decision makers and the general public. Therefore, good communication skills, both verbal and written are essential, as well as being a good team player.
What does a typical day entail?
I think it is fair to say that every day is different, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the job! One day you can be desk based, collating and preparing economic advice for senior decision makers. We also have economists involved in data analysis and face to face engagement with key stakeholders as part of their role in contributing to the development of evidence-based policy, including the Northern Ireland Programme for Government. I am currently involved in assessing proposals for major spending programmes and capital projects in Northern Ireland which involves assessing and providing advice in relation to the spending options presented. The advice economists provide is crucial in the decision-making process to ensure that projects taken forward will deliver value for money for the public purse.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
One of the best things for me is the flexible working conditions that are available. I have two toddlers and there is that dilemma of career vs. children. I recently made the decision to reduce my hours and this has given me the work life balance that is so important to me. Despite my decision, this has not impacted on my career development having recently been promoted to Principal Economist where I will soon be heading up a research and analysis branch in a government department.
Why is what you do important?
Being an economist in the NICS places you at the heart of policy making in Northern Ireland. The research and advice provided by economists is used to help shape policy, having a real impact on the lives of people in Northern Ireland. Now more than ever, in the face of EU Exit, increasing demands for public expenditure and on-going public sector reform, the analytical skills of economists will become even more central to supporting good decision making. It is certainly a time of great change and opportunity.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Besides completing a degree in Economics, I think it is particularly important to keep up to date with news and current affairs. A lot of what we listen to and watch on a daily basis has an impact on our economic decision making. I would encourage younger students to seek out opportunities for work experience to help get an insight and understanding into what it is that we do.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
I’ve always said how I would love to own my own coffee shop. Having spent a lot of time in them during my maternity leave, I have come to realise how lucrative they can be if you get the concept right!
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If I have learnt anything over the years it is that you can learn so much from your colleagues.
Describe your ideal day off.
Is there ever a day off for a mum of two toddlers?! Of course, it would have to be a day spent with my girls and husband. A nice brunch and a walk at the beach. Although if offered, I wouldn’t say no to a spa day!
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
I think the first step needs to be deciding what it is you enjoy doing most and recognising your strengths and skills. If you know this then finding the right job will be so much easier.