Grace Mickleburgh’s
Government Economics
Service journey

What led you to apply for the Civil Service Fast Stream programme?

I was seeking a career change when I came across the Civil Service Fast Stream. I worked in the financial services industry for five years and although I enjoyed it and learned a lot in this career, I was keen to find a new role where the focus would be on providing services and support to people rather than financial profit. A career change to working in the public sector offered an opportunity to fulfil this desire I had.

What attracted you to the programme and this particular stream?

I studied economics at university and have always had an interest in policy. When I came across the Civil Service Fast Stream, it looked like the perfect opportunity to use my knowledge of economics to contribute to government policy.

I have always been comfortable with numbers and knew that I wanted a job where I felt like I was making a difference.

Tell us about your Civil Service Fast Stream experience. What kind of projects have you been involved in?

I am currently based at the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP), where I have had the opportunity to work on a high-profile government campaign to tackle pensioner poverty. In terms of leadership training, my line managers have encouraged me to chair meetings with leading economists in pensions and social welfare policy and foster working relationships with colleagues from other government departments.

Is a STEM degree beneficial to working in the Civil Service? What would you say to encourage others to join the Civil Service Fast Stream?

Joining the Government Economics Service Fast Stream gives me the opportunity to apply my economic knowledge to real-world issues. For example, I have been able to assess the impact of certain policies and present my findings to other economists within the department.

Given the above, if you enjoyed studying economics at university and would like an opportunity to use your economic skillset in real-world applications, then the Government Economics Service Fast Stream is for you.

How have the connections and networks you have made via the Fast Stream enabled you to succeed?

During my time on the Civil Service Fast Stream, I have been involved with the Women in Economics network. This network supports female economists early in their careers and has allowed me to establish a support system that has helped me settle in.

What has been your experience on the Civil Service Fast Stream in terms of diversity and inclusion?

There is not a ‘typical’ fast streamer. I have collaborated with people from a variety of backgrounds, including those who have changed careers, new graduates and those who were already working in the Civil Service before becoming a fast streamer.

Working in this diverse environment has contributed to me never feeling out of place during my time on the Civil Service Fast Stream.