Jenny Peters
Jenny is a PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh. She has conducted research into gender inequality in the labour market, and is particularly interested in quantitative research.
Why did you choose to study economics?
When I was a child, I witnessed my mother in her fight against gender inequality every day. She has always been my role model and fighting against inequality was deeply ingrained in my mind ever since I was a young girl. Soon I realised that words and theories are not sufficient to combat inequality. Instead what is needed is numbers, evidence, and actions.
How would you describe economics?
Economics is ubiquitous. Broadly, it focuses on production, consumption, and distribution of goods, services and wealth. However, economics as a social science can also be used to study fertility, gender inequality, football transfers, and so much more. There really is no one simple description, economics is what you make of it.
If you had a time machine and could meet your 16-year-old self, what advice would you give them?
Stop worrying if you are good enough and what others think of you. You deserve to be exactly where you want to be.
What is your favourite part of economics?
Using maths as a language to explain how the world works.
Is there anything you would do differently if you had the chance?
I would overthink less and take more chances.