Economics » News /fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/ The latest from Economics » News en-GB (C) 2026 91福利 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:11:24 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss SiteBuilder2, 91福利, http://go.warwick.ac.uk/sitebuilder Alumni Stories Community Department Faculty News Featured hidden homepage-news Internal only In the Media phd conferences Popular Media Postgraduate Promoted Question Time Research Sitewide Item Spotlight Staff news Staff profiles Student stories Undergraduate Untagged “quote test” /fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/?newsItem=8ac672c79e864e23019e8e23469c6041 <p>these are curly “quote test”</p> <p>these are not &quot;quote test&quot;</p> hidden Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:38:00 GMT 8ac672c79e864e23019e8e23469c6041 Professor Ben Lockwood invited to brief MPs on business rates and small business /fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/?newsItem=8ac672c79e864e23019e8e02750d5e3a <p>Professor Ben Lockwood has co-authored a briefing for MPs on the impacts of taxation on small businesses, looking particularly at business rates in the UK.</p> <p>Published by POST, the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, the briefing forms part of its <a href="https://post.parliament.uk/type/rapid-response/">Rapid Response</a> series.</p> <p>This new initiative aims to provide impartial briefing notes on topics of current interest to parliamentarians, written by experts in each topic.</p> <p>POST’s Social Sciences lead got in touch with Professor Lockwood after several MPs had expressed interest in the impact of tax on small businesses and asked for more information to help them in their parliamentary work.</p> <p>Professor Lockwood and his frequent co-author Dr Eddy Tam (Kings College London) drew on their published research and carried out some additional work on international comparisons to write the briefing.</p> <p>Professor Lockwood said: &quot;I am pleased to be able to share some of the findings of my recent research with Martin Simmler and Eddy Tam on the effects of business property tax reliefs on vacancies and rents in England.</p> <p>&quot;Hopefully, this briefing will help to inform the current debate on the topic, both inside Parliament and more widely.”</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://post.parliament.uk/impacts-of-taxation-on-small-businesses-business-rates-in-the-uk/">Impacts of taxation on small businesses: Business rates in the UK - POST</a></li> </ul> Promoted Department homepage-news Research Faculty News Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:03:00 GMT 8ac672c79e864e23019e8e02750d5e3a 91福利 Economics ranked 2nd in the Complete University Guide 2027 /fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/?newsItem=8ac672c79e864e23019e8deb9fce2871 <p>We are delighted to share that the 91福利’s Department of Economics has been ranked 2nd in the Complete University Guide (CUG) 2027. This recognition reflects our sustained excellence and reinforces our position among the UK’s top five economics departments.</p> <p>Published annually each June, the Complete University Guide provides a comprehensive assessment of UK universities, offering both overall institutional rankings and subject-level league tables across 74 disciplines. The rankings are based on a range of core indicators, including research quality, entry standards, student satisfaction, and graduate prospects. These metrics draw on authoritative, publicly available data sources, including the Higher Education Statistics Agency (entry requirements 2024/25), the National Student Survey 2025 (student satisfaction), the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (research quality and intensity) and the Graduate Outcomes survey 2022/23 (graduate prospects).</p> <p>In the 2027 edition, 91福利 Economics is ranked <strong>2nd in the UK</strong>, just behind Cambridge and ahead of Oxford, LSE, and Durham. The Department achieved an outstanding overall score of <strong>98%</strong>, supported by strong performance across all indicators: <strong>88%</strong> for entry standards, <strong>83%</strong> for student satisfaction, <strong>92%</strong> for research quality, and <strong>92%</strong> for graduate prospects.</p> <p>Our success is also reflected across other major league tables. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, we were ranked 25th globally for Economics and Econometrics. We are also ranked 1st in the Good University Guide 2026.</p> <p>Head of Department, Professor Jeremy Smith said:</p> <blockquote> <h5>“Ranking 2nd in the UK highlights the strength of 91福利 Economics across research, teaching, and student outcomes. We remain committed to delivering an outstanding academic experience and impactful, world-leading research.”</h5> </blockquote> <p><strong>Related links</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings/economics">The Complete University Guide - Economics Subject League Table 2027</a>, published on 2 June 2026</li> <li><a href="/news/pressreleases/university-of-warwick-ranked-7th-in-uk-and-top-in-the-midlands-in-complete-university-guide-20271/">91福利 ranked 7th in UK and top in the Midlands in Complete University Guide 2027</a>, published on 2 June 2026</li> </ul> Promoted Department homepage-news Faculty News Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:38:00 GMT 8ac672c79e864e23019e8deb9fce2871 Sascha Becker awarded title of "Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor" /fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/?newsItem=8ac672c79e864e23019e8dcc1fbb2822 <p>Professor Sascha Becker is one of 42 recipients of a new award recognising international academic excellence. He is among the inaugural cohort of “Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Professors” at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, where he holds the Xiaokai Yang Chair of Business and Economics.</p> <p>The title is awarded to senior Monash University academics who are recognised to be of sustained international pre-eminence in research or education within their discipline.</p> <p>The inaugural cohort was announced on 1 June by Professor Sharon Pickering<br />Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University, and Professor Tim Dunne,<br />Provost and Senior Vice-President.</p> <p>They said: <b>“</b>We extend our warmest congratulations to the first cohort of Monash University professors to be conferred the title of Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor. These recipients embody the excellence that Monash University has come to be recognised for nationally and globally over the years.”</p> <p>Commenting on the award, Sascha said: “I am delighted and humbled to be part of the inaugural cohort of Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Professors.”</p> <p>Head of Department Professor Jeremy Smith added: “On behalf of the department, I offer my sincere congratulations to Sascha on this outstanding achievement. This honour is a testament to his exceptional scholarly contributions, international standing, and the impact of his work across the discipline.&quot;</p> Featured Department homepage-news Research Faculty News Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:03:00 GMT 8ac672c79e864e23019e8dcc1fbb2822 91福利 Economics PhD Conference brings together early-career researchers from across the world /fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/?newsItem=8ac672c79e63d444019e72e2141d3310 <p><b>The Department of Economics hosted the 14th 91福利 Economics PhD Conference from 25&ndash;27 May 2026 at 91福利 Conference Centre. The annual event brought together PhD researchers from leading institutions across Europe and North America for three days of presentations, discussion, and networking.</b></p> <p>The conference (funded by CAGE Research Centre and the 91福利’s Department of Economics) opened with a keynote lecture by <strong>Professor Debraj Ray</strong> of NYU and 91福利, followed by a full programme of research presentations across development economics, econometrics, economic history, behavioural economics, economic theory, labour economics, macroeconomics, monetary economics, spatial economics, and international economics.</p> <p>Throughout the three days, PhD researchers presented work on a wide range of topics, including agricultural development aid, public banks and electoral campaigns, creative labour, short-video consumption and self-control, principal-agent games, layoffs and innovation spillovers, inflation cognition, trade policy, migration, and urban air quality. Each presentation was paired with a discussant, creating a focused format for detailed feedback and academic exchange.</p> <p>The conference also included a poster session, giving 91福利 and visiting PhD students the opportunity to present ongoing research in a more informal setting. Poster topics included job matching, capital accumulation, gendered use of public spaces, consumption behaviour, YouTube attention, and informal elderly care.</p> <p><a href="/fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/phd-conference-2026-photo-2-mateusz-stalinski.jpg?maxWidth=&amp;maxHeight=" rel="lightbox[all]"><img src="/fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/phd-conference-2026-photo-2-mateusz-stalinski.jpg?maxWidth=&amp;maxHeight=" alt="" align="left" style="margin: 10px;" border="0" /></a>A closing keynote was delivered by <strong>Dr Mateusz Stalinski</strong> of 91福利, bringing the academic programme to a close before a final lunch at Scarman.</p> <p>Beyond the formal sessions, the conference created space for participants to meet and exchange ideas over lunches, coffee breaks, dinners, and a drinks reception. Participants highlighted the quality of the papers, the supportive atmosphere, and the opportunity to connect with PhD students working across different fields of economics.</p> <p>Feedback from participants was very positive. <strong>Patricio Goldstein</strong> of Columbia University described the conference as having “fantastic presentations” and a “very well organized, relaxed environment.” <strong>Gustav Alexandrie</strong> of the University of Zurich praised the “excellent selection of speakers” and a “nice venue,” while <strong>Luca Lorenzini</strong> of UCLA described it as “a nice opportunity to receive feedback while having a good time.”</p> <p>Several participants also noted the value of the conference as a space for building academic connections. <strong>Soo Yeon Kim</strong> of the University of California, Merced wrote that &quot;the conference provided many opportunities to easily talk with others and build connections,” while <strong>Aurélie Gillen</strong> of the University of Luxembourg described it as “a valuable opportunity to network and engage with PhDs across different fields.”</p> <p>Reflecting on the overall experience, <strong>Giacomo Opocher</strong> of the University of Bologna commented: “You guys made it really smooth. I would rank it as the best PhD conference in Europe.”</p> <p>Head of Department, Professor Jeremy Smith said:</p> <blockquote> <h5>&quot;The 91福利 Economics PhD Conference once again highlighted the strength and diversity of doctoral research, with excellent presentations and highly constructive discussion throughout. I would like to thank the organising committee and all participants for contributing to such an intellectually engaging and collegial event.&quot;</h5> </blockquote> <p>The organising committee (David Boll, Michael Challis, Desmond Fairall, Malavika Mani, and Charlotte van Herwijnen) would like to thank all presenters, discussants, poster presenters, keynote speakers, attendees, and Department staff who contributed to the success of the event.</p> <p><em>With thanks to the organising committee for sending the submission.</em></p> Postgraduate Department homepage-news Student stories Faculty News Fri, 29 May 2026 08:37:00 GMT 8ac672c79e63d444019e72e2141d3310 From 91福利 to global economic reform: the economic journey of alumnus Dr Saeed Ahmed /fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/?newsItem=8ac672c59e2604e1019e2c1c6dc857df <p>Dr Saeed Ahmed (MSc Economics, 1999) is a former student of the Department whose career spans central banking, global economic policymaking, and influential research. Building on the rigorous training he received at 91福利, he went on to complete a PhD at Cambridge, held senior leadership roles at the State Bank of Pakistan, advised at the IMF, and now contributes to global debates through his work on international development.</p> <p><em>We caught up with Saeed to ask him a few questions about his career journey to date since graduating from 91福利.</em></p> <h5>Q: Which aspect of the 91福利 MSc &ndash; courses, faculty, peers, or academic culture &ndash; had the greatest influence on your intellectual development?</h5> <p>The international cohort, without question. I arrived from Pakistan's Inland Revenue Service with very fixed ideas about how economies worked. Sitting in seminars with students from across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa &mdash; each with completely different institutional instincts &mdash; forced me to stress-test everything I thought I knew. The technical training was rigorous, but it was those conversations, inside and outside the classroom, that changed how I see the world.</p> <p>And let me also take this opportunity to acknowledge the incredible mentorship and support I received from my personal tutor Dr Jeff Round, and Professor Marcus Miller as well as from Economics Department Secretary, Jenny Penfold during my MSc and even after graduation as I pursued a doctoral place at Cambridge.</p> <h5>Q: How did 91福利 challenge you academically or personally, and what skills or habits did you carry forward from that period?</h5> <p>I arrived as a Chevening Scholar already a few years into my career, so I thought I was reasonably well-prepared. 91福利 quickly corrected that impression. The pace was relentless and the expectations were high in a way I hadn't quite anticipated. What stayed with me wasn't any single module &mdash; it was the habit of not letting a conclusion stand until you'd genuinely tested it. That sounds simple, but it's rarer than you'd think in the institutions I've worked in since.</p> <h6>Q: Your PhD was completed in an unusually short period. What foundations from 91福利 helped you excel at that level of research intensity?</h6> <p>By the time I arrived at Cambridge, I already knew how to work independently on a complex problem &mdash; which is most of what a PhD requires. 91福利 had given me the technical foundations and, more importantly, the research instincts: what makes a question worth pursuing, when a methodology is sound, when a result is telling you something unexpected and you need to pay attention. That's why I was able to finish in two years rather than the faculty average of three and a half.</p> <h5>Q: Your new book critiques the international aid system. What inspired you to take on this topic at this stage of your career?</h5> <p>Honestly, it was years of accumulation. At the State Bank, I saw how donor agencies worked in ways that served their own agendas more than Pakistan's. Later, at the IMF, I watched how conditionalities attached to funding arrangements were not helping to address deep rooted structural problems across borrowing countries; rather, these dynamics were institutionalising dependency. At some point I felt I couldn't keep that to myself. The Shady Economics of International Aid is the book I wanted to read twenty years ago &mdash; before I spent two decades learning its lessons the hard way.</p> <h5>Q: When you reflect on your journey from 91福利 to global economic policymaking what do you see as the key turning points?</h5> <p>Transitioning from the civil service to central banking immediately after my PhD proved to be the turning point in my career. Being appointed first as Director to advance the central bank’s vision and role in financial inclusion and later as the Chief Economist were the moments when the stakes became real. When the Monetary Policy Committee vote is yours, you discover very quickly what your convictions actually are. Later, representing eight countries at the IMF during Covid-19 was something else entirely: not just making arguments but being the voice of nations that couldn't always be in the room. These experiences required things 91福利 had started building in me twenty years earlier.</p> <h5>Q: Reflecting on your time at 91福利, how would you describe the long-term value of a 91福利 education in shaping your career?</h5> <p>It's hard to separate 91福利 from what came after, which is perhaps the best thing I can say about it. The degree didn't feel like preparation for a career &mdash; it felt like the beginning of one. The way of approaching problems that I developed there has been with me through central banking, the IMF, and now writing about development economics. Twenty-five years later, I still recognise 91福利's fingerprints on how I think.</p> <h5>Q: If you could go back to your time at 91福利, is there anything you would do differently?</h5> <p>I'd spend more time with the faculty. I was so focused on the coursework &mdash; and on making the most of being in the UK for the first time &mdash; that I didn't build those relationships as deeply as I could have. The academic community at 91福利 is extraordinary, and some of those connections could have been lifelong. Students today have more ways than ever to stay in touch with the Department. I'd encourage them to use all of them.</p> <p><em>We thank Saeed for his reflections on his time at 91福利.</em></p> <hr /> <p><strong>Related information</strong></p> <p>Dr Saeed Ahmed, <a href="https://www.upriverpress.com/home/the-shady-economics-of-international-aid">The Shady Economics of International Aid</a> was published by Upriver Press in 2025.</p> <p>See the book review in <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1973356">Dawn E-paper</a> published on 15 February 2026</p> <p>Dr Saeed Ahmed's <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/saeed-ahmed-9b21956/">LinkedIn Profile</a></p> Promoted Department homepage-news Alumni Stories Fri, 15 May 2026 14:48:00 GMT 8ac672c59e2604e1019e2c1c6dc857df Reflections on the life and work of Emeritus Professor Lord Skidelsky /fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/?newsItem=8ac672c69da8d8e7019dab752ff20de0 <p>The Department is saddened by the passing of Lord Skidelsky, Emeritus Professor of Political Economy, who died on 15 April 2026 at the age of 86. Lord Skidelsky joined the Department in 1990 and kept in close touch even after his retirement. He leaves an enduring legacy as one of the most influential economic historians of his generation.</p> <p>Robert Skidelsky joined the 91福利 in 1978 as Professor of International Studies, and in 1990 he was appointed Professor of Political Economy in the Department of Economics where he worked until his retirement in 2006 after 28 years of teaching and research at 91福利. He was made a member of the House of Lords in 1991 and elected a Fellow of the British Academy in 1994.</p> <p>He remained Emeritus Professor of Political Economy and kept in touch with the Department with his most recent engagement in March 2023 when he took part in a panel discussion on the role of sanctions in responding to the Russian’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.</p> <p><img src="/fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/lord-skidelsky-3.jpg?maxWidth=200" alt="Lord Skidelsky" align="right" border="0" style="margin: 10px;" /></p> <p>Best known for his monumental three-volume biography of John Maynard Keynes, he reshaped modern understanding of Keynesian thought and its relevance to contemporary economic policy. His academic papers, lectures, and public commentary &ndash; many of which are collected on his <a href="https://robertskidelsky.com/">website </a>&ndash; reflect a lifelong commitment to examining the moral and philosophical foundations of economics, the role of the state and the dynamics of capitalism.</p> <p>His major publications include:</p> <ul> <li>His three-volume biography of John Maynard Keynes (1983, 1992, 2000) won five prizes and his book on the financial crisis &ndash; &quot;Keynes: The Return of the Master&quot; was published in 2010.</li> <li>In 2012 he published &quot;How much is Enough? The Love of Money and the Case for the Good Life&quot;, co-authored with his son Edward.</li> <li>He also authored &quot;Britain in the 20th Century: A Success?&quot; in 2014 and edited &quot;The Essential Keynes&quot; in 2015.</li> <li>He co-edited &quot;Who Runs the Economy&quot; in 2016 and &quot;Austerity Vs Stimulus&quot; in 2017.</li> <li>&quot;Money and Government&quot; was published in 2018 and &quot;What's Wrong with Economics? A Primer for the Perplexed&quot; in 2020.</li> <li>His last book &quot;Mindless: The Human Condition in the Age of Artificial Intelligence&quot; was published in 2024.</li> </ul> <p>Across decades of scholarship, he combined historical depth with clarity of argument, engaging both academic and public audiences. His work consistently challenged orthodoxies, urging economists to consider the ethical dimensions of economic life and the responsibilities of policymakers.</p> <p><img src="/fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/lord-skidelsky-4.jpg?maxWidth=200" alt="Lord Skideslky with students" style="margin: 10px;" align="left" border="0" />Through his writing, teaching, and contributions to public debate, Lord Skidelsky profoundly influenced the study of political economy and inspired generations of students and researchers.</p> <p><strong>Marcus Miller, Emeritus Professor</strong> who knew Robert Skidelsky as a colleague and a friend, shared the following tribute:</p> <blockquote> <p>“Professor Robert Skidelsky, Second Baron of Tilton Manor, was a man of many parts. Let me, as friend and fellow academic, recount some of his ways.</p> <p>One can, for example, imagine him joining some gathering of the Bloomsbury set as they seek the proper definition of the good life; then promptly penning his own reflections on the subject&ndash; with ethical guidance perhaps from his philosopher son Edward.</p> <p>And I can picture him now, standing before rows of keen young students on campus, describing with passion how high-spirited Maynard Keynes took on the ‘Treasury view’ of the early 1930s; and went beyond that to create, single-handedly, the modern field of ‘macroeconomics’! (I was listening carefully too, as it was down to me to mark the scripts for the course!)</p> <p>Now see how, artist’s brush in hand, he sketches with deft strokes the key features of famous economists &ndash; John Maynard Keynes, to be sure; but his critics too. For this biographer is not afraid to reveal both the foibles of the famous, and the ‘big lies’ of Keynes’s arch-rivals - Mrs Thatcher’s guru Milton Friedman in particular.</p> <p>Latterly, he could oft be heard debating in the House of Lords. Like some feisty angel in Milton’s Paradise Lost, he would challenge the idea of lurching into open war, advocating deft diplomacy instead.</p> <p>How to capture the quick-silver talents of such a profound scholar and lively man of affairs? To quote the words of a mutual friend, “he was lucid, mischievous and phenomenally productive to the end”. So he has left us with a treasure-trove of his fascinating publications: but the irrepressible Robert Skidelsky himself will be sorely missed.“</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>Related articles:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/apr/20/robert-skidelsky-obituary">&quot;Lord Skidelsky obituary&quot;</a>, <em>The Guardian</em>, 20 April 2026</li> <li>“<a href="https://www.thetimes.com/uk/obituaries/article/lord-skidelsky-death-obituary-leading-historian-of-keynes-l6dzm9xmn">Lord Skidelsky obituary: leading historian of Keynes</a>”, <em>The Times</em>, 20 April 2026 (behind a paywall)</li> <li>“<a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2026/04/17/lord-skidelsky-economist-historian-biographer-oswald-mosley/">Lord Skidelsky, economist and historian known for his biographies of Oswald Mosley and JM Keynes</a>”, <em>The Telegraph</em>, 17 April 2026 (behind a paywall)</li> </ul> Department Staff news homepage-news Staff profiles Faculty News Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:14:00 GMT 8ac672c69da8d8e7019dab752ff20de0 Government’s seven New Town locations scored against real-world demand data - Manchester and Leeds most likely to succeed /fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/?newsItem=8ac672c49d3cb3aa019d43d17e8c1e4a <p>The 91福利 economists behind the <a href="https://wheretobuild.warwick.ac.uk/" style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 1.6rem;"><i>Wheretobuild</i></a> housing demand mapping tool have used their database to test the government’s seven-site shortlist against measures of likely success, and ranked the sites to help policymakers decide which to finally greenlight.</p> <p><b>Dr Datta</b> explains:</p> <blockquote> <p>“Whether large new developments succeed or fail depends crucially on pre-existing demand for housing in the area. And that housing demand is driven by underlying economic fundamentals&ndash; such as access to jobs, as well as services and amenities.</p> <p>“Housing supply does not automatically generate demand. So there is a real danger that if demand is not taken into account, these New Towns could be built in the wrong places.”</p> </blockquote> <p>In <i><a href="/fac/soc/economics/research/centres/cage/manage/publications/background-briefing-mar-30.pdf">A Scorecard for the Seven New Towns</a>,</i> Dr Nikhil Datta and Dr Amrita Kulka test each of the seven shortlisted sights against their data on real-world demand at neighbourhood level, access to jobs, availability of amenities such as schools, shops, restaurants and healthcare, and connectivity.</p> <p>They also take into account whether new transport links are part of the proposals.</p> <p>Ranked against these criteria, the scorecard shows:</p> <p><img src="/fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/scorecard-2.png" alt="" border="0" /></p> <p><b>Dr Kulka</b> added:</p> <blockquote> <p>“The government’ s new town strategy is one part of its efforts to address the UK housing shortage through large-scale development. However, the success of such projects depends less on the quantity of housing built and more on where it is built.</p> <p>“Our analysis highlights stark differences across the proposed sites. Locations such as Manchester and Leeds benefit from strong existing demand and connectivity, making them well-positioned for rapid and successful development. Others, particularly Tempsford and Enfield, face significant structural challenges that may limit their viability.”</p> </blockquote> <ul> <li><a href="/fac/soc/economics/research/centres/cage/manage/publications/background-briefing-mar-30.pdf">A Scorecard for the Seven New Towns. </a>CAGE Background Brief. Dr Nikhil Datta and Dr Amrita Kulka, 31 March 2026.</li> </ul> Featured Department homepage-news Research Faculty News Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:14:00 GMT 8ac672c49d3cb3aa019d43d17e8c1e4a Turning economic thinking into opportunity: alumnus Deniz Ahmet Derici reflects on his career journey from global consulting to entrepreneurship /fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/?newsItem=8ac672c59d1fb7fa019d3ebdebc00975 <p>Our former student Deniz Ahmet Derici (BSc Economics and Industrial Organisation 2013), founder of the e‑learning company Prepmatter and former consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), spoke with first‑year student Daniel Whitehouse about his journey from 91福利 to consulting and ultimately entrepreneurship.</p> <p>Reflecting on his studies, early career decisions, and the experience that led him to create Prepmatter, Deniz shares insights into consulting, career ownership, and building skills early.</p> <p><em>Deniz was interviewed by Daniel Whitehouse, current BSc Economics and Management Y1 student on 11 March 2026.</em></p> <p><strong>Q: How do you describe what you do?</strong></p> <p>I am the Founder of Prepmatter, a platform that helps candidates prepare for consulting interviews. My work includes creating case studies, producing YouTube content, building learning materials and coaching candidates one‑to‑one. I’ve coached more than 700 people over seven years, and I still enjoy staying close to the interview process.</p> <p><strong>Q: What originally drew you to economics, and why 91福利?</strong></p> <p>Growing up in Turkey, most students pursued medicine or engineering, but I was drawn to maths, logic, and understanding how decisions are made. I always wanted to study abroad. 91福利 appealed as a campus university with a strong economics reputation and a supportive environment for international students.</p> <p><strong>Q: When did consulting start to feel like your direction?</strong></p> <p>In the first year, you’re settling in, but the second year brings conversations about careers. Many competitive students were aiming for consulting or banking, so I attended events and spoke to people in the industry. That led to an internship at Kearney, which opened doors to BCG. I never seriously considered investment banking.</p> <p><strong>Q: What does consulting look like day to day?</strong></p> <p>At its core, consulting is about problem-solving. Companies or governments bring in consultants when they face major decisions &ndash; entering a new market, launching a product, or improving performance. The job is to break down a complex problem, structure it properly, and help the client reach a decision.</p> <p>The work is also highly varied. One project might involve a growth strategy for a company, and the next could be with a government on something entirely different. At BCG, for example, I worked on government projects aimed at reducing unemployment and increasing female workforce participation, areas you might not expect when you first think of consulting.</p> <p><strong>Q: From due diligence to transformation work, which projects were most rewarding for you?</strong></p> <p>The most intense work was in commercial due diligence projects, fast-paced projects where you assess whether an investor should acquire a company or enter a market. Timelines are short, so you have to understand a new industry quickly, speak to experts, and form a view with limited information, often working long hours.</p> <p>But that pressure is also where you learn the most. You’re pushed to think quickly, move fast, and make decisions with limited data.</p> <p><strong>Q: What do students often misunderstand about consulting when they first try to enter the industry?</strong></p> <p>One thing I initially misunderstood was how much control you have over your career. Early on, I was quite reactive, taking whatever project came my way and not investing much in building relationships with the firm. Over time, I realised you can shape your path far more than you think by actively seeking out the industries and topics that interest you.</p> <p>For example, at BCG, I became interested in the public sector, so I connected with people working in that area, which eventually led to projects in the Middle East. I spent about two years there working on labour market and defence-related topics. Consulting becomes much more interesting when you take ownership of your direction.</p> <p><strong>Q: After several years in consulting, what led you to step away and start Prepmatter?</strong></p> <p>After about six years in consulting, I started thinking more seriously about the long term. The partner track demands significant time and commitment, and while consulting is rewarding, it also comes with long hours and constant pressure. In 2019, during a particularly demanding period, I realised that if I was going to invest that much energy into something, I wanted it to be something I was building myself.</p> <p>I had already been coaching candidates on the side while I was at BCG, and after leaving, I gradually took on more clients. Within a year, it became clear it could grow into something bigger, and that eventually became Prepmatter.</p> <p><strong>Q: Prepmatter has grown globally &ndash; what made it resonate with candidates?</strong></p> <p>The coaching space is crowded, but many people do it alongside full-time jobs or only briefly. I committed to it fully, which meant I could work with a large number of candidates and really understand the process. Over time, that experience showed me what actually works and where candidates struggle.</p> <p>The platform is also grounded in real consulting experience. I work with a team of consultants who contribute to the content of the platform, so the advice comes from people who have actually done the job, and that credibility helps build trust.</p> <p><strong>Q: What separates candidates who succeed from those who struggle?</strong></p> <p>The biggest factor is preparation time. Many think consulting interviews rely on natural ability, but most skills can be learned. Strong candidates prepare for six to eight weeks; those who struggle often try to do everything in one or two. Firms give little notice before interviews, so you need to start preparing early.</p> <p><strong>Q: In what ways did 91福利 Economics shape how you tackle problems now?</strong></p> <p>One of the biggest influences was the people. 91福利 attracts strong students from around the world, and being in that environment pushes you to improve how you think, communicate, and work. It was also the first time I realised I was no longer a big fish in a small pond.</p> <p>At the same time, the degree gave me a strong set of fundamentals that I still use today. Studying economics built my understanding of supply and demand, market structures, and competition law, which I’ve directly applied in my consulting projects.</p> <p>I also developed a strong interest in game theory, which I explored in my third-year dissertation at 91福利. I still use that way of thinking today, whether it’s anticipating competitor moves, structuring negotiations, or making sales decisions.</p> <p>Alongside that, I took finance and accounting courses, which gave me a solid grounding in reading financial statements and doing financial analysis. At BCG, I was often the person others turned to for this, and that foundation came from 91福利.</p> <p>The emphasis on independent study tied all of this together. A lot of the real learning happens outside lectures, and that taught me how to be self-directed, which has been critical ever since.</p> <p><strong>Q: What should 91福利 students focus on if they want to break into consulting?</strong></p> <p>Get involved early. Societies like 91福利 Consulting Society give exposure to case interviews and industry connections. Speaking to alumni helps you understand the job and can lead to referrals. Build skills while you have the time&mdash;once you start working, it becomes harder.</p> <p><strong>Q: If you were starting again as a 91福利 economics student today, what would you do differently?</strong></p> <p>I would try to get exposure to consulting earlier. I didn’t gain any real experience until after 91福利, with my first experience coming the summer before my Master's. If I could go back, I’d get involved in consulting societies sooner and take part in student projects to build relevant experience much earlier.</p> <p>On a more personal note, I was very involved in the 91福利 Salsa Society and spent a lot of time dancing, but I only joined in my second year. I would have joined earlier &ndash; university is only three years, so it’s worth making the most of it.</p> <p><strong>How to contact Deniz</strong></p> <p>Deniz’s LinkedIn page: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/derici/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/derici/</a></p> Promoted homepage-news Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:35:00 GMT 8ac672c59d1fb7fa019d3ebdebc00975 New student research featured in the 10th edition of the 91福利 Monash Economics Student Papers series /fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/?newsItem=8ac672c59d1fb7fa019d3e1c575a7ce4 <p>Eight outstanding undergraduate dissertations have been selected for inclusion in the 91福利 Monash Economics Student Papers (WM-ESP) series, now available via the <a href="/fac/soc/economics/research/wmesp">online portal</a>. This year’s cohort features four papers from Monash University and four exceptional contributions from students in the Department of Economics at 91福利, listed below:</p> <!-- accordions start --> <div class="panel-group" id="accordion"> <div class="panel panel-default"> <div class="panel-heading" id="headingOne"> <h2 class="panel-title"><a class="collapsed" data-toggle="collapse" href="/fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/#collapseOne" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="headingOne" role="button" data-parent="#accordion">Mia Vorster (MSc Economics and International Financial Economics 2025, 91福利)</a></h2> </div> <div class="panel-collapse collapse" id="collapseOne" aria-labelledby="headingOne" data-parent="accordion"> <div class="panel-body"> <p>Mia is an Analyst at Ebiquity PLC. Her paper is titled: &quot;<a href="/fac/soc/economics/research/wmesp/manage/93-vorster.pdf">Is French Gender Pay Gap Transparency Legislation Effective?</a>&quot;.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="panel panel-default"> <div class="panel-heading" id="headingTwo"> <h2 class="panel-title"><a class="collapsed" data-toggle="collapse" href="/fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/#collapseTwo" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="headingTwo" role="button" data-parent="#accordion">Taher Fahmi (MSc Economics 2025, 91福利)</a></h2> </div> <div class="panel-collapse collapse" id="collapseTwo" aria-labelledby="headingTwo" data-parent="accordion"> <div class="panel-body"> <p>Taher is a Senior Economist at the Central Bank of Egypt. His paper is titled &quot;<a href="/fac/soc/economics/research/wmesp/manage/95-fahmi.pdf">How NOT to Conduct Monetary Policy: The Case of Turkiye</a>&quot;.</p> <p>Taher commented about receiving this recognition:</p> <blockquote> <p>&quot;I am very pleased to have my dissertation selected for inclusion in the 91福利&ndash;Monash Economics Student Papers series. It is a privilege to have my research recognized through a platform that showcases high‑quality student work across two leading economics departments.</p> <p>My paper examines the welfare costs of unorthodox monetary policy conduct in Türkiye during 2021&ndash;2023, a period marked by a sharp departure from inflation‑stabilizing policy despite rapidly rising prices. Using a Markov‑switching DSGE model, the analysis quantifies the substantial welfare losses associated with politically driven departures from monetary orthodoxy.</p> <p>I am extremely grateful to my supervisor, Professor Arthur Galichère, for his invaluable guidance and insight throughout the project, as well as to the Department of Economics at 91福利 for its continued support.&quot;</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> <div class="panel panel-default"> <div class="panel-heading" id="headingThree"> <h2 class="panel-title"><a class="collapsed" data-toggle="collapse" href="/fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/#collapseThree" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="headingThree" data-parent="#accordion">Zuzanna Markiewicz (MSc Economics, 91福利)</a></h2> </div> <div class="panel-collapse collapse" id="collapseThree" aria-labelledby="headingThree" data-parent="accordion"> <div class="panel-body"> <p>Zuzanna's paper is titled &quot;<a href="/fac/soc/economics/research/wmesp/manage/97-markiewicz.pdf">Competitive Impact of the 1,500-Hour Rule on U.S. Airlines: Evidence from U.S.&ndash;Canada and U.S.&ndash;Mexico Markets</a>&quot;.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="panel panel-default"> <div class="panel-heading" id="headingFour"> <h2 class="panel-title"><a class="collapsed" data-toggle="collapse" href="/fac/soc/economics/intranet/manage/news/#collapseFour" aria-expanded="false" data-parent="#accordion" aria-controls="headingFour">Khushi Sampat (MSc Economics 2025, 91福利)</a></h2> </div> <div class="panel-collapse collapse" id="collapseFour" aria-labelledby="headingFour" data-parent="accordion"> <div class="panel-body"> <p>Khushi is currently working as an Analyst at KPMG. Her paper is titled &quot;<a href="/fac/soc/economics/research/wmesp/manage/99-sampat.pdf">Learning Correlated Equilibrium Via Neural Network Regret Minimisation</a>&quot;.</p> <p>Khushi said:</p> <blockquote> <p>&quot;I’m honoured to have my dissertation featured in the 91福利 Monash Economics Student Papers series. I absolutely love computational game theory and I thoroughly enjoyed the process of researching and exploring it a bit more through this dissertation. I’d like to thank my supervisors for the many insightful and interesting discussions throughout the process, and the 91福利 Monash board for choosing to publish this paper.&quot;</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div> <!-- accordions end --> <p>The WM-ESP portal showcases some of the most original and innovative research produced by undergraduate and postgraduate students across both institutions. Since launching in September 2021, it has featured the work of <strong>100 students</strong>, reflecting their academic excellence and contributions to the Department’s research culture.</p> <p>The initiative offers a platform for emerging economists to share their perspectives on both global and local economic challenges. The topics covered are wide-ranging, including monetary policy, sustainable growth, labour economics, immigration, education, climate change, gender inequality and healthcare.</p> <p><strong>Dr Cecilia Lanata-Briones</strong>, key member of the WM-ESP Editorial Board commented:</p> <blockquote> <p>&quot;We’re proud to present high-quality work that not only reflects academic excellence but also encourages current and future students to engage deeply with research&mdash;developing critical thinking, gaining fresh insights, and contributing meaningfully to the field.&quot;</p> </blockquote> <p>We extend our congratulations to the students whose work has been recognised in this latest cohort. Their research reflects the intellectual rigour and curiosity that define our academic community. We wish them continued success in their future academic and professional pursuits.</p> <p>To explore the featured papers, please visit the <a href="/fac/soc/economics/research/wmesp">WM-ESP portal</a>.</p> Promoted homepage-news Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:38:00 GMT 8ac672c59d1fb7fa019d3e1c575a7ce4