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- Tasks: Apply economic theory to real-world regulatory decisions in the water sector.
- Company: Join a national public body transforming the UK's water and wastewater services.
- Benefits: 12-month paid placement with structured development and exposure to senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on customers, markets, and the environment while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Studying economics or related fields, with strong analytical and communication skills.
- Other info: Ideal for students seeking hands-on experience in regulatory economics.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to complete a 12-month paid professional placement working at the heart of the UK’s water sector, applying economic theory to real regulatory decisions that affect customers, markets and the environment. If you’re an undergraduate looking at placement options for 2026, a finalist or graduate with less than 3 years experience, and interested in a career in the world of economic regulation, read on!
You’ll join a national public body responsible for regulating water and wastewater services across England and Wales at a pivotal moment of reform and transformation for the sector. If you’re studying economics and want to see how policy, markets and data intersect in the real world, this placement offers genuine responsibility, exposure to complex issues and outstanding career development.
Key Criteria (How Applications Will Be Assessed)- You will be a strong match if you meet most of the following:
- Studying a degree that includes a sandwich year, or a recent graduate/apprentice within 3 years
- On track for, or achieved, a 2:2 or above
- Degree in Economics, or a degree with a significant microeconomics component
- Also open to Level 3–5 apprenticeships in economics or related subjects
As a Professional Placement student, you’ll work within either the Delivery Directorate or the Major Projects and Markets Directorate, supporting high-impact projects across regulatory and competition economics. You’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team and contribute to work such as:
- Applying microeconomic theory to real regulatory and market challenges
- Analysing data and modelling to inform regulatory decisions
- Supporting assessments of competition, pricing, incentives and market performance
- Contributing to policy development that directly affects customers and the environment
This is not an academic exercise. The work is live, complex and highly visible, and you’ll play a meaningful role in shaping outcomes.
Learning and DevelopmentYou’ll be fully supported throughout the placement with:
- A structured early-careers development programme
- Core training delivered by subject-matter experts
- Ongoing technical and professional development
- Exposure to senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams
- A dedicated people manager, early-careers support team and buddy
- Optional access to internal coaching
By the end of the placement, you’ll have real regulatory economics experience, stronger analytical confidence and a highly competitive CV for graduate roles.
Who This Is ForThis placement is ideal for students or recent graduates who want to apply economic theory, data analysis and critical thinking in a real regulatory environment and make a tangible impact.
Skills and Interests- Strong understanding of microeconomic concepts, including:
- Market failure
- Government intervention
- Competition and incentives
- Interest in regulatory economics, public policy and utilities
- Enthusiasm for data analysis, modelling and evidence-based decision making
- Ability to think critically and apply theory to real-world problems
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Curious, adaptable and motivated to learn
- Comfortable working with stakeholders and collaborating in teams
- Able to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes
Economics Specialist in London employer: GradBay
Contact Detail:
GradBay Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Economics Specialist in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to alumni from your university. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and practising common questions. Think about how your skills in economics can solve real-world problems they face. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but the right fit for their team!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Create a portfolio that highlights your projects, data analysis, and any relevant coursework. This is your chance to demonstrate your understanding of microeconomic concepts and how you can apply them in a practical setting.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for placement opportunities! Applying directly through us not only streamlines the process but also shows your genuine interest in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Economics Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Economics Specialist role. Highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or internships that showcase your understanding of microeconomic concepts and data analysis.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about regulatory economics and how your background makes you a great fit for this placement. Be sure to mention specific aspects of the job description that excite you.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data analysis and modelling, include examples in your application that demonstrate your analytical abilities. Whether it's a project from your studies or a personal endeavour, make it clear how you can apply these skills in a real-world context.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s straightforward, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status easily. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at GradBay
✨Know Your Economics
Brush up on your microeconomic concepts, especially market failure and government intervention. Be ready to discuss how these theories apply to real-world regulatory challenges, as this will show your understanding of the role and its relevance.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of how you've used data analysis or modelling in your studies or previous experiences. Highlight any projects where you applied economic theory to solve problems, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and readiness for the placement.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since the role involves working with stakeholders, being able to communicate complex ideas simply will be crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with friends to refine your delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity
Express your enthusiasm for learning and adapting in a dynamic environment. Share instances where you've taken the initiative to explore new topics or tackle challenges, as this will reflect your motivation and fit for the role.
