Sameen
Sameen is an economist currently with the Civil Aviation Authority after a long career within the civil service, local government and executive agencies.
Sameen studied economics primarily in Scottish universities in Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and currently in Strathclyde. He also studied Economics at A-level and likes to run, swim and read.
Why did you choose to study economics?
Economics at A-level for me was brutal. Think differently. Rote and repeat wasn’t enough, analysis had to be a mindset. Master each concept and then apply them to solve problems. I developed a knack for it. This helped in my careers in analysis, research, regulation and policy advice. I got my break in the GES explaining the economics of addiction in an interview with a Home Office economist.
How would you describe economics?
Surgical thinking. Cut to the chase as if your mind is a knife. Using data as if they are clues in a detective story levering insight. The language of patterns. Crafting the evidence to understand what could have happened to explain what will happen. This rings true in financial markets, consumer theory and policymaking.
If you had a time machine and could meet your 16-year-old self, what advice would you give them?
Join or set up and support interest groups or communities. Make time for groups to focus on webinars, talks, books and don’t wait for your school to organise them for you. Be far less patient with yourself in pursing your passions and others will follow,
Also *don’t* aspire to chase money, its toxic. Its worth is on what others place on it, not you. Focus on what gets you excited, angry or animated first thing in the morning. That gives clarity on whether studying economics is what you prefer to finance, accountancy or other subjects.
What is your favourite part of economics?
Unpicking an economic model is very satisfying. You can grasp volumes of observations through an elegant model. Whether its game theory, Becker’s models or simple macroeconomic models. You get such a nuanced insight that talking to a well-briefed disciplined economist is like having coffee with the Sith.
Is there anything you would do differently if you had the chance?
I regret not taking up the offer to study economics at Queen’s University in Belfast. Studying economics in Scotland is very different. Also not reaching out for help fast enough when I was struggling with my mental health during my studies.