Suitable candidates are likely to be undergraduates in their last year at university studying economics, economic history, PPE (philosophy, politics and economics), a closely related subject such as banking and finance, or a joint honours degree in which economics forms a substantial component. We will also consider candidates who already have a Masters degree in economics or limited work experience. However, if you have two or more years of work experience we would recommend that you apply directly for a position as an economist.  We hope to be in a position to sponsor strong candidates who need a visa to allow them to work in the UK.

Capital Economics is committed to equal opportunities. We aim to employ graduate trainees from diverse backgrounds and welcome applications from women and ethnic minorities.

The graduate scheme application window for September 2025 start date is closed. The window for September 2026 start date will open in Autumn 2025. 

Please apply by submitting a CV and covering letter. 

CV:

  • Academic record –  current year university grade, as well as A-Level (or equivalent) grades and subjects.
  • Work/Volunteer experience - include any work or volunteer experience. It does not have to be economics-related.
  • Extra-curricular activities: involvement in sports, arts, languages, music, university societies

Cover letter:

  • As much as is reasonable, there should be no typos or grammar mistakes.
  • The cover letter should be more than a few lines, the candidate should be trying to impress and differentiate themselves.
  • The applicant should highlight any relevant skills, such as Python or R Studio.
  • It would be good to demonstrate a strong interest in macroeconomics – courses enjoyed, lectures attended, books read, research projects.

During your first two or three years you will be based at our head office in London. Subsequently, you may remain in London but you could alternatively apply for positions in our overseas offices, in New York, Toronto and Singapore.

In London we have a hybrid working policy, whereby most economists work in the office two days per week and from home the rest of the week. Economists can work in the office more frequently if they want to and several do so. Regardless of their working arrangements, economists in the company are in regular contact through daily company-wide and team calls. Capital Economics has a flexible working policy that allows for further flexibility to working hours or place of work, subject to manager and HR approval.

We offer a competitive starting salary and there is potential for a discretionary, performance-related annual bonus at the end of each calendar year. More details will be provided to candidates who are invited to interview.

Benefits:

      • Competitive salary and performance-related bonus.
      • 25 days annual leave per annum plus birthday leave.
      • Enhanced Pension.
      • Life assurance.
      • Flexible working policy.
      • Training & development.
      • Promotion opportunities.
      • Enhanced maternity and paternity policies.
      • Bike to work scheme.

Capital Economics is a rapidly growing global company and is steadily expanding its services. There will be plenty of opportunities for progression and promotion for those graduates who develop into skilled, capable and enthusiastic economists.

To see what our former graduate trainees are doing now, see here.

Graduates work closely with our established economists and get significant on-the-job training. They also participate in a monthly graduate reading group as well as company-wide formal training activities including regular internal classes covering a wide range of practical skills and internal seminars on economics topics. There is also the opportunity to join an internal economics book club as well as outings to public lectures on economics topics taking place in London.

Subject to satisfactory progress in your first year, you will have the opportunity to undertake part-time study for a Masters degree in economics or a related subject, funded by Capital Economics.

Successful candidates will start their employment with Capital Economics in September.  The graduate scheme application window for September 2025 start date is open until 11th October 2024. 

All applications are read by an economist. We typically invite 10 to 15 applicants to do a writing test and a first interview. Some candidates are invited to a second interview. If you need reasonable adjustments to be made to the application process to ensure you are not at a disadvantage to other candidates, please include this in your cover letter. This is applicable if you have a disability or if you are neurodiverse/hold neurodiverse traits.

In the interviews, we will ask you about your academic background, interests and any related work experience as well as technical questions on macroeconomics. You will also have an opportunity to ask us questions about the role, company or anything else you are curious to know. The interviews will be conducted by the senior Economists who run the graduate scheme and a member of the HR team.

Following this, offers will be made to successful candidates and we will let unsuccessful candidates know the outcome of their applications.

Graduates

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