PhD Economic History, 2011
Senior Writer, MoneyWeek
Please describe your career path to date
During my time as a PhD student I completed two internships in investment banks as well as a job in an Economics Consultancy. Before joining MoneyWeek in January 2012, I worked as a freelance journalist.
Has your career path developed as you planned?
Originally, I was interested in becoming an academic economist. However, studying at a university very close (both physically and intellectually) to the City of London opened my eyes to the world of finance.
Tell us about your current job
I write for both the print magazine (weekly circulation around 50,000) and the website. While I have contributed to all part of the magazine, my main duties are to write cover stories, emails for the daily "Money Morning" email and a fortnightly column on entrepreneurs.
Why did you choose this job?
I have always been interested in journalism. When I was at LSE I edited the Sports section of the student newspaper, winning awards for my column on sports betting and for feature writing. Working at MoneyWeek combines my interests with my academic background.
What do you like most about your job? Is there anything that you dislike?
I like the ability to follow current financial affairs. I have a supportive team, including an excellent editor. I also like the fact that working for a weekly publication allows one time to manage my workflow.
Thinking back, why did you choose your degree subject and why did you choose LSE?
I chose to do my MSc and PhD at the LSE because I won an ESRC studentship, and because I was impressed by the expertise of the department. Its global reputation was also a major factor in my decision.
How has your time at LSE helped you so far in your career?
One of the reasons why I was hired was because of my PhD (the other one was because I had done some financial spread betting). My knowledge of Economic History comes in very useful when I'm looking at issues such as the future of the single currency.
What advice would you give to prospective or current LSE students?
Try doing some work experience in the summer and getting involved in societies related to your field of interest. If you want to get involved in journalism as a career, write for the student newspaper to build up a portfolio!
Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?
I really enjoyed my time at the LSE. However, while I did do a lot of things, both inside and outside the seminar room, there was still a lot more that I could have done.