Hugh O’Reilly

BA(Econ) Economics 2022

Hugh O’Reilly is a Social Policy Consultant. He graduated from Manchester with a BA(Econ) in Economics in 2022.

My current role and how I got there

I joined RSM UK immediately after graduating from Manchester and have now worked here for two and a half years. Beginning as an analyst, and now as a consultant, I work on research and evaluation projects that deliver actionable insight for government departments and arms-length bodies.

The most beneficial part of my degree was the third year applied dissertation. This required using nationally representative data from a longitudinal survey of over 10,000 Indian households to explore the impacts of a publicly funded employment programme. It was tough, but by completing this project, I learnt important skills, gained confidence in my ability to take on new challenges, and it set me apart from other students who had not taken on an applied dissertation. Of course, there were other key skills that I learnt during my time studying Economics at UoM. Writing essays, finding research, designing policy, and applying economic models also helped me prepare for my career path.

My experience at Manchester

Manchester is an exciting city, rich in culture and historical significance. There are few worthy alternatives if you want to go to a reputable UK university in a big, yet affordable, city. I always wanted to study economics. Unlike most institutions, the University of Manchester offered a Bachelor of Arts in Economics as well as the more common Bachelor of Science. The broad-based, multidisciplinary approach of the course was a big attraction to me.

No, when I started university I did not know what career I wanted to pursue. My time at Manchester helped me to decide, as I gained a firmer grasp of the subject areas that I enjoyed and might want to pursue further. There are also abundant opportunities to attend career events and gain career advice, which is very helpful if you make an effort to utilise these resources.

One key takeaway for me was understanding how asking questions, taking initiative, and reaching out to peers is essential for learning, networking, and making the most of your time at university. I was surprised to see just how different people’s experience of the course was simply because of the amount they applied themselves to the content of the course and how much they interacted with lecturers, seminar leaders, and their peers. While talking to new people and being conversational comes more naturally to some, it is a soft skill which can be developed. University is the perfect environment to foster this skill which can take you far in the professional world.

My advice for future students

Go to every lecture in person. You’ll learn a lot more, reduce the risk of falling behind, establish a more consistent routine, and be able to meet course mates. On the BA Economics course, there is a lot of flexibility in which modules you take. Make sure you do your research on what each module offers, so that you can make an informed selection at the start of each year. Finally, I would advise that new students get involved in at least one new activity or society!