Frederick Litchfield

Frederick Litchfield

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B. Economics/B. Politics, Philosophy and Economics 2018

Fred is a Research Economist at the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), an independent agency within the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. In this role, Fred focuses on projects related to the financial performance of Australian farm businesses, relying heavily on data analysis. He joined ABARES as a graduate in 2019 after completing his studies in Economics and PPE at the ANU. During his time at the ANU, Fred undertook a CBE internship at the National Farmers Federation and an ANIP at the Parliament House.

Fred’s responses to questions from CBE students

What skills and knowledge gained from your studies at ANU are you utilising in your current role?

Technical skills are important, but studying at ANU gave me the tools and mindset to think about an issue in a way that distils the why and the what-ifs. 

Employers talk a lot about cultural fit in the workplace. How did you know you would fit well with the culture at ABARES?

Do your research on the organisation you are joining. I felt that my ability to listen and learn quickly would mean I would make a good impression. 

Any advice to final year students to interview well for graduate roles?

You will always get questions on why you want the job and what you can bring the table, so be prepared and be succinct. If you receive a technical question that throws you off, stick to what you know and trust yourself.