WESS NEWSLETTER
2020 Highlights
Each issue of the WESS Newsletter in 2020 has featured a different economist. Below is a selection of advices offered to women contemplating studying or pursuing a career in economics. In addition to the Featured Economist section, the 2021 newsletter also offers insightful study tips and resources related to economics..
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“Jump in and do it! If you want to understand the world and make it better, then economics is a great foundation to do that. It’s a perfect career for people who have both a creative and an analytical side - the best economists bring an element of both.”
– Danielle Wood (CEO, Grattan Institute)
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“Economics is incredibly broad. Whether you’re interested in social policy, tax and spending, business and infrastructure, macro issues, statistics, financial markets, human behaviour….you can study and work in all of those areas as an economist. My advice would be not to worry too much if you’re not really sure which direction you want to go in. If you start working and studying in the area, you’ll take away skills and frameworks that will help you hit the ground running in whatever field you choose later on.”
– Janine Bialecki (Principal Economist, ACCC)
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“...just do it!...We know there are fewer women studying economics now and we will have far worse policy outcomes if we don’t ensure that changes.”
– Nicki Hutley (Partner, Deloitte Access Economics)
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“Working in economics – and especially economic policy - requires conceptual and analytical skills as well as creativity and empathy. A career in economics can take you many places...Also, at various times in your career you may encounter opportunities (like promotions or transfers) which you might think you’re not ready for. Just go for it! Take the risks because you’ve got people who are willing to help you out along the way.”
– Mary Cavar (Executive Manager, Melbourne Office, Productivity Commission)
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“Go for it! It is a fascinating subject with many aspects to it, and a huge range of career options globally.”
– Dr Luci Ellis (Assistant Governor (Economic), Reserve Bank of Australia)
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“I would be encouraging – economics and public policy open a range of doors, at home and abroad….Be flexible, and take advantage of opportunities that come your way. I would advise young women to think of their skills in economics and public policy as a means to an end, to think about different ways in which these can be applied and hopefully to help improve the world!”
– Dr Jeni Klugman (Managing Director, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security)
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“Around the world, economies continue to be structured in ways that work better for men than women. Economics has been slow to recognise and change this... As economists, you can make a vital contribution to broadening understanding of what creates economic value, and towards a more comprehensive and inclusive conception of economic activity.”
– Joanne Crawford (International Women's Development Agency)