Why Policy but not a Direct Economist Route?

Having graduated in Economics in 2016, I've always wanted to go directly into an Economist role through a Graduate scheme of some sort, however, post two years after my graduation, I was looking for clarity in my Career direction and something that would best fit my personality and skill set.

My exact thought I had was 'Going through the direct Economist route would feel timid and not set the bar for me, as I am an individual who always seeks for new challenges, loves to bring creative ideas and draft guidance materials for use by various stakeholders.'

As you know, Economics is a very broad and stimulating subject. It spans over different areas such as Policy, Analytics, NGO's, Local Government, Intelligence, etc.

Now, let me come straight to the point as to why Policy. What made me want to go for a career in Policy and not a direct economist route was primarily because whilst I was in my first year of university, I attended the House of Parliament for a evening talk regarding the party manifesto, as a junior member of a Political Party through a paid membership.

The evening talk was quite interesting as members of parliament and secretaries were present, discussing policy areas, ranging from immigration, education, housing, climate change, etc. Because I studied Economics, I was able to connect the dots of what was being discussed. This aroused my interest in Policy work.

Moreover, due to my current nature in the legal casework I do for the Probation Service, I have built and unlocked a new skill which would be transferable to a Policy Advisor role. That skill was drafting guidance materials on key administrative processes for wider use by all stakeholders.

As soon as I developed this transferable skill, I decided to go on Civil Service Jobs and apply specifically to Policy Advisor or Policy Support roles. I faced rejections in the application sift process, however, I kept on going. And I will continue to do so till I land a career in Policy.