The conference featured interactive, hands-on sessions, led by young economists from the Welsh Government and industry professionals, offering students an insider’s view of how economics influences decisions across various sectors. From public policy to business, these sessions highlighted the real-world impact of economic thinking.
One of the highlights from the event was and introduction to the prestigious Royal Economic Society's Young Economist of the Year competition, sponsored by KPMG. The competition encourages students to engage with some of the most pressing global challenges, offering them a platform to showcase their ideas and analytical skills on the national stage.
Riaz Anwar, Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Director of Outreach and Engagement at Bangor Business School, said, “We are delighted to have partnered with the Welsh Government and Discover Economics for this fantastic event. Our goal is to inspire young people by showing them how economics extends beyond the classroom - it’s about solving real-world problems. This conference unlocks the potential economics and highlight the exciting opportunities that awaits students in this dynamic field.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans, said: "Events like this can foster curiosity and help shape Wales’ future leaders.
This conference allows for real-world, hands-on experiences which might spark the next big idea that reshapes our lives for the better. I hope all the future economists enjoyed their experiences and I extend my thanks to everyone who made it possible.”
Dr Jo Davies, Head of Public Health Economics & Value said, “This event was a fantastic opportunity for GCSE and A Level pupils in North Wales to hear about the exciting and varied opportunities which qualifications in Economics can provide. The invited speakers gave a great insight into their careers using economics in a range of sectors from academia and government to healthcare. The organisers balanced presentations and discussions with interactive sessions to produce a highly engaging day. I hope the attendees today are inspired to follow a career in economics.”
Sam McLoughlin, Senior Campaign Manager – Discover Economics said, “Discover Economics was delighted to partner with Bangor University to deliver this vital outreach event with key support from the Welsh Government. Not all young people have access to economics at school and so it is crucial that events such as this are delivered, opening their eyes to the exciting and rewarding careers in economics that can have a positive impact in their community."
One pupil from Ysgol Glan Clwyd said, “Coming to Bangor University today has opened my eyes to what studying Economics can do for my career and what I can gain from it.”
As Bangor Business School gears up for its next event aimed at inspiring the next generation, schools and colleges are invited to request specialised sessions at any time by submitting this form.
Really excited to be here today at Bangor University for a great event with a hundred students enjoying a whole range of activities. The reason we’re here today is because we want young people to get an insight into the world of economics and maybe change their perceptions as to what they could do as a career in economics, and what they can do here in Wales.
The conference we’ve done today at Bangor University Business School is to inspire students to understand what economics is and why study economics. It’s a fantastic, relevant, exciting subject which helps solve real everyday life problems.
At university I had the opportunity to speak to the careers team about a number of wide-ranging opportunities available in the economics world. I wanted to come back to Wales and stay in Wales. Having the opportunity to see that the Welsh Government was taking on economists was of great interest to me.
Often a lot of people think economics is working in finance, maybe working in London particularly, but actually, young people can work as economists here in Wales and have really exciting careers. That’s what the young people are learning here today. I think they’re really excited by doorways that could open after this event to help them have an exciting career but also give something back to their community.
Another focus we have here at Bangor Business School is to engage with schools and invite schools to take part in our interactive workshops because we’re very keen to retain talent in North Wales.
Economists can see one thing and they’re able to translate it into something completely readable for somebody who has no interest in economics, no economic understanding.
You had the data analytics people talk about what they do and what they study and how some people have transferred from banking into economics.
I think going into business life has always been of interest to me. I think being a business owner or managing money is going to be quite interesting.
I think coming here to Bangor University today opened my eyes to what studying economics could do to my career and what I could gain from studying economics.