Bachelor of Commerce (2010), Bachelor of Economics (Hons) (2010) and Master of Economics (2015)
Will is currently a PhD candidate in Economics at New York University, focusing on macroeconomics and inequality. He worked for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development as its Chief Economist, conducting research on global economic challenges and policy recommendations for the G20. He was previously an economic policy adviser in the Australian Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C). Will is passionate about research to improve Australian and international economic policy, and is a Commonwealth Bank of Australia John Monash Scholar.
Tell us about your experience with the ANU alumni network in New York.
The ANU alumni community has been growing in New York since I moved here three years ago. Through this network, also known as the New York City Group, we started meeting monthly for drinks to catch up and connect with other ANU graduates. Of course, this in-person component has been put on hold during the pandemic, but when it is safe, I am looking forward to resuming this and further building the ANU community here.
Through this network, it was great to meet current CBE students on an international program in the US at the Australian Consulate-General in New York City in 2019.
You previously worked in PM&C and OECD. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself as a fresh graduate in 2011?
I would say three things to myself with the hindsight of graduating from CBE.
- Keep learning by surrounding yourself with talented and motivated friends and work colleagues.
- Take calculated risks to discover your talents and interests, then go after what you want.
- Life is short but also long so if you persist and work hard, amazing opportunities will open up.