Why did Ebou choose to study Economics?
I chose Economics because it reflected a genuine, longstanding curiosity about why people, businesses and markets behave the way they do, combining analytical thinking with real world relevance. I have always been curious about why people, businesses or markets make decisions in the way they do. It combined my analytical thinking with the real world.
“I have always been curious about why people, businesses or markets make decisions in the way they do. It combined my analytical thinking with the real world.”
Why did Ebou choose the University of Reading?
I chose Reading specifically for the balance its course struck between economic theory and practical application, alongside the flexibility of its modules and the career opportunities it offered.
I also valued the range of career paths the course opened up, a factor that would go on to matter directly once I started applying for graduate roles in finance.
What surprised Ebou about studying Economics?
I was most surprised by just how broad an Economics degree actually is, covering far more ground than the core theory many applicants expect going in.
I completed modules including the Economics of Sport and Games, Behavioural Economics, and Business Economics, a genuinely varied mix that went well beyond standard macro and microeconomics.
What does a typical week look like for Ebou, at university and now at work?
A typical week for me looked different at university than it does now in my graduate role, though both share a similar rhythm of structured learning mixed with genuine variety.
At university, my week combined lectures and seminars with time in the library working through assignments with friends, alongside football, futsal, societies and campus events, never quite the same week twice, which I count as one of my favourite parts of the experience.
Now, in my graduate role, my week is similarly varied, working with different people across the business, sitting in meetings, and gradually learning how everything fits together. Being early in my graduate programme, there's still a significant learning element, training, asking questions, and picking things up from colleagues, alongside making time for the gym, football and friends outside of work.
What was the hardest part of studying Economics for Ebou?
My biggest challenge was balancing everything at once, university work, job applications, a part-time job, sport and a social life, which at times became genuinely overwhelming. What helped me most was learning to prioritise properly and not feeling like everything had to be perfect. Ask for help, don't put all the pressure on yourself. Take each day as it comes.
“What helped me most was learning to prioritise properly and not feeling like everything had to be perfect. Ask for help, don't put all the pressure on yourself. Take each day as it comes.”
How has Ebou's career developed since starting his degree?
I started university with a general interest in finance but no fixed idea of which specific area to pursue, and used my modules, internships and work experience throughout my degree to narrow that down.
That process led me to a Corporate Analyst role on JPMorgan Chase's graduate programme (CADP), moving from general interest to a specific, active career path through hands-on experience alongside my studies rather than deciding upfront.
What does Ebou wish he'd known before starting university?
My main piece of advice is that your results, and your university experience more broadly, don't define you in the way it might feel like they do at the time. The moment you step onto campus for freshers, you have the opportunity to figure out where you want to be and have access to the tools to reach that goal.
“The moment you step onto campus for freshers, you have the opportunity to figure out where you want to be and have access to the tools to reach that goal.”
Would Ebou choose the same course and university again?
Yes. Reading has an amazing interconnected campus. You will enjoy the university experience and still have the time to excel in your school work. I would definitely make the same choice again.
Considering Economics alongside other business-related subjects? Our Business Management guide compares Business Management vs Economics directly, useful if you're still deciding between the two, and covers similar career paths into finance and corporate roles alongside Economics.
Not sure which course fits your grades and interests? Try StudyDecidr's free course matching tool to get a curated shortlist. (International and postgraduate course matching is coming soon.)
“Reading has an amazing interconnected campus. You will enjoy the university experience and still have the time to excel in your school work. I would definitely make the same choice again.”