A novel I have read recently, “Freakonomics by Steven Levitt, Stephen Dubner”, is about the versatility of data, how data can be used to solve complex problems and how data can provoke insightful questions. I remember one night thinking how some lawyers earn a lot of money while others have an average salary, instantly a torrent of ideas washed over me, I realised that this discrepancy in wages is proof that the criminal justice system is unfair and biased towards those who can afford a superior lawyer. So much data could be collected and collated, so many interesting questions could arrive from this study such as do people who are wealthier behave more ethically then those less well off.
At AS I took a wide range of subjects; physics, maths, business, economics and critical thinking. By taking this wide range of subject I have been able to home in what I'm most passionate for. I have always enjoyed learning about business, but the same can be said for science and maths. However last year I learnt that economics is what I love, it has changed the way I view the world, I cant fathom any other course I would rather study.
I very often have economic discussions with my peers. These range from the shape of interesting supply demand curves e.g. that of Veblen goods, to the most efficient way to run an economy. I am yet to convince my friend that a centrally planned economy will never be as efficient as the free market. (Is this perhaps to bold, although I'm 99% sure its true)
I have a natural aptitude for mathematics and theory, which I believe explains my predisposition for theoretical topics and concepts, and why I'm less interested in application. By studying theory I can apply what I learn to any instance in which the theory is applicable, however if I study application I will only ever know that one instance of which a theory has been applied, at least this my sentiment at least.
By the time I finish college I will have an A level in maths and further maths which includes 2 modules of statistics. My passion for economics is paralleled closely to maths, this is the reason for why, truthfully, I’m immoderately excited about studying the more mathematical facets of economics such as game theory and econometrics.
I feel that in order to perform my best it is very important to stay fit and healthy. I go to the gym twice a week and try to go swimming regularly. I do my best to maintain a healthy, balanced diet all of which to my avail and improved academic results.
I believe myself to be personable and capable of working well in a team, although admittedly more so as a leader than a follower. I think that my personality is so well suited to a university environment that I will relish all my time there and at the same time I will hopefully be able to enrich the time that is spent there for others as well.
When I finish my course at University, I would like to pursue a job in the financial sector. Applying economic principles to markets seems like something I would enjoy.
I remember reading in “The General Theory” when Keynes writes that speculation serve almost no purpose other than providing liquidity for markets, I was saddened to learn that my career aspirations were selfish and would essentially create no wealth or benefit to the economy.
However I realised that liquidity certainly has value and is needed in the markets.
Reading and understanding “The General Theory” is probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I spent weeks reading it and countless hours thinking over some of Keynes more complex assertions. I cant posture and pretend that I fully comprehended all of it but I can proudly claim to have understood the majority. I believe this will serve me well when I study at university and stand me in good stead. By already having a greater command of economics than is required at A level I will possibly find the gap lesser than that of perhaps some of my peers who have not.