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`After reading “The truth about markets” by John Kay, I was fascinated by the arguments made by the author regarding factors which differentiates between poor and rich states because I have always wondered why countries like UK and USA are so much richer than the country I came from, Malaysia. I genuinely felt that I had a better understanding of a wealth of general economic issues like the collapse of the stock market. I also find myself particularly interested in understanding how the market operates and how economic policy can determine the wealth of a nation. (WHY ECON) The subjects I’ve chosen currently at A-level have provided me a foundation to pursue my desired degree. My study in mathematics has given me the ability to work with numbers, as well as improving my data analysing skills which is really important in the field of economics as it can improve our general understanding of various economics principle. Taking mathematics in my A-level has also trained me to think critically and approach economics issue from different perspective. I’ve also participated in the Senior Maths Challenge and achieved a silver award. On the other hand, taking Economics in A2 has provided me knowledge of the core economics theories like supply and demand and letting me to apply them in various economics issues happening around me. In order to know what it’s like working in a world renowned financial institution, I’ve spent a week during my summer holiday to work at JP Morgan in Bournemouth. Working in the core operation which have expertise in post-trade processing has shown me the importance of good teamwork and communication skills as each team discusses regularly with one another to provide a comprehensive and efficient support model. I’m fascinated with how statistics are used to produce quantitative data in order to make something complicated look so much simpler. I’ve also been given the privilege to collect data such as number of tasks completed by each employee that I then, analyse and evaluate to find ways in achieving maximum productivity. I was also able to shadow the managers from each department. This gave me a better understanding of the role of each department, I also took part in seminars, interactive presentations, case studies and group exercises which further enhanced my leadership and presentation skills. Nevertheless, this work placement also provided me an opportunity to form invaluable networks for my future career. To quench my thirst for economic knowledge, I’ve read “50 economics ideas you really need to know “by Edmund Conway, an author who in my opinion, takes a sophisticated concept and make it into something that is easily digestible for people like me that have limited economic knowledge. It is very enjoyable to read. After reading the book, I was encouraged and feel more equipped to gain a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the few key principles of economic theory and analysis stated in this book. I’m an avid reader of “The Economist” and am especially interested in the Greek economic crisis as I’ve researched the causes and presented my findings during a student meeting. It allowed me to better understand how countries are being affected by the global financial system. By attending a taster course in Queen Mary University, called “Economics in society”, where I’ve attended talks like “How do economists work” that describe the experience working in the bank of England, within the Monetary Analysis and Financial Stability areas. It also gave us an insight of different career that economics graduate can pursue and further fuelled my desire to read this economics at university. During my silver DofE expedition, I have developed self-confidence and have shown commitment and persistence, leading my team to our destination via my navigation skills in the Brecon Beacons. Participating in Young Enterprise has also given me a chance to set up and run a real firm. As the marketing director, I took this opportunity to improve my communication skills and apply my economic knowledge to a real life scenario. As president of the tennis club in our school, I have honed my organizing and time management skills. During my free time, I enjoy spending my time volunteering in a local charity shop on a weekly basis.
I’m positive that this degree will provide me broad and well-respected set of skills. I look forward to my pursuit of this challenging and diverse degree in the university.