Careers and alumni
Studying here gives you an excellent grounding for a career in your field of interest — from economist and management roles in government and development organisations, through to careers in accounting or finance. You will receive expert advice during your time at Sussex, from guidance during one-to-one sessions with your Academic Advisor to the host of opportunities provided by the School, as well as the University .
Evidence shows that Economics is one of the higher earning professions. In addition, the analytical and quantitative skills you acquire on your economics degree are widely sought by employers in career areas such as business and finance.
The Economics Department offers ​extensive careers support including: regular information about graduate schemes; workshops with Sussex alumni now employed in organisations such as the Government Economics Service (one of the biggest employers of economists in the UK); events focused on areas such as work placements and the Junior Research Assistant scheme; career “speed-networking” parties with former Sussex students.
The Business Mentors Scheme links students with business mentors, to provide our students with professional and personal development, inspiration and encouragement through a supportive mentoring relationship.
Through your degree you will achieve the confidence to communicate economic ideas and concepts to a wider audience. You will also develop a range of transferable skills, applicable to a wide variety of occupations. These include report writing, time management, team working, numeracy and how to interpret data.
The applied research skills are excellent for an economist, who wants to work in the field of international development and find solutions to problems governments and individuals in developing countries are facing.” MARTA DORMAL, ECONOMICS BA
Alumni
Réjane Woodroffe
(Development Economics 2004) – Director and co-founder of the Bulungula Incubator
Stewart Dalby
(Economics 1964) – Former foreign correspondent, war correspondent, travel writer and novelist
Bogolo Kenewendo
(International Economics 2013) – Former minister of Investment, Trade & Industry Botswana and African Economist
Thabo Mbeki
(Economics 1965) – Founder The Thabo Mbeki Foundation, former President of South Africa
Connect with us
You can connect with us via , , and .
Contact
Got a story? Share your Economics experience with us: business-communications@sussex.ac.uk.
You might also be interested in:
- studying with the Department of Economics
- our research, impact and influence
- become part of our alumni network.
Suzie Eastman
Business School alumna Suzie Eastman (BA Economics 2020) talks about how her formative role on the Student Connector Programme and taking part in the Spirit of Sussex Award helped launch her new career with HSBC as a Data Analyst.
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Bianca Miller-Cole
Having studied Business and Management (The Global Economy) from 2007 to 2010, Bianca has gone on to become the Managing Director and co-founder of The Be Group, which she created with the ethos that all people should be able to access personal development services and build their personal brand.
She also founded Bianca Miller London – a nude skin hosiery and nail company catering to all skin tones.
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Bogolo Kenewendo
Having studied International Economics from 2012 to 2013, Bogolo went on to become the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry in Botswana, where she was the first woman to hold a the position of Minister.
She is now an Economist and has founded Kenewendo Advisory, a private economic and development advisory services company.
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Virginia Acha
SPRU 2002 – Executive Director, Research Medical & Innovation – Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry ABPI
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Zhang Xin
Zhang studied economics from 1988 to 1991.
She is a highly successful property developer in China. She is the CEO of SOHO China, the largest commercial real estate developer in Beijing which she co-founded with her husband, Pan Shiyi.
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Tosin Akinluyi
Tosin studied Economics at Sussex.
She is Global Chief Operating Officer – Macro Research at Morgan Stanley.
She sits on the Business School’ advisory board (opens in new tab).
More about Tosin Akinluyi (opens in new tab).
Dr Alex Ryabchn
Alex studied Innovation and Sustainability for International Development in SPRU from 2012 to 2013.
Previously the deputy minister to the Ministry of Energy and Environment of Ukraine, Alex is now an Energy and EU Green Deal Advisory to the Deputy Prime-Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine and also a policy advisor for the Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine.
Emily A Llewellyn
Business Management Studies 2010 – Equestrian Event Rider
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Stewart Dalby
Former foreign correspondent, war correspondent, travel writer and novelist Stewart Dalby (Economics 1964) spoke to us about his experiences at Sussex and beyond, as well as his newest endeavours focusing on promoting renewable/alternative energy through his platform Greenbarrel.
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Thabo Mbeki
After studying economics at Sussex, Thabo went on to become the President of South Africa and is also the founder of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation.
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Becky Anderson
After studying Economics from 1986 to 1990, Becky has worked in broadcast media.
She is currently a business journalist for CNN International, where she is one of their highest profile anchors. She hosts Connect the World with Becky Anderson and also serves as the managing editor of CNN Abu Dhabi.
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Mark D’Arcy
Mark studied Economics, graduating in 1982. He is political correspondent for the BBC.
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Réjane Woodroffe
Réjane studied Development Economics from 2004 until 2006.
She is now the Director and Co-Founder of the Bulungula Incubator, which creates sustainable systems to support the education, employment and welfare needs of a community of 6,000 people.
Their projects have more than 10,000 direct beneficiaries, while their broader programmes impact thousands more through sharing and collaborative partnerships with other organisations and government.
More about Réjane Woodroffe (opens in new tab).