Daira Povez Gamboa
This week's champion is a one of our amazing new communications interns and Economics student at the University of Warwick.
Why did you choose to study economics?
The main reason I decided to study economics was that I wanted to understand how the world works, why the world has passed through several financial crises, why there is inequality, especially in my country Peru. Studying economics has helped me to understand a bit more about these topics and to realise I want to help in some way. I believe that through economics you can improve people's standard of living.
How would you describe economics?
Economics is interesting and sometimes complicated because it is not always easy to understand. It teaches you about life, about common problems. You cannot look at the news or buy something after studying economics as you used to do it. For example, you will realize how inflation affects your life, how prices increase. Economics is everywhere!
If you had a time machine and could meet your 16-year-old self, what advice would you give them?
Follow your dreams and objectives. Be yourself because it is so much you can offer to the university, society, to the world, and an economics degree is a good point to start. This degree gives you many options to work, to build your career as you want. You don't necessarily have to go into finance or consulting. You can do research, journalism; just keep open to every opportunity and give your best.
What is your favourite part of economics?
Learning about the different perspectives and lessons each event has. I enjoyed studying about the great depression and great recession and doing a comparison of how the lessons of the crisis of 1929 were applied or not in 2008. Researching and writing are 2 parts I love of the degree. That is why I did a research project (funded by the university) during the summer. It was focused on "gender inequality in the Peruvian food market".
Is there anything you would do differently if you had the chance?
I would research more opportunities and organizations like Discover Economics, to know more about the degree before entering university. As I am from Peru, I did not have the opportunity to study economics before university or to have any support or guide. However, you guys have the chance to do it! Don't lose it.