Daniel Olai - works at the Ministry of Finance

Daniel Olai graduated from the Master's program in Economics in 2015. He currently works in the Budget Department of the Ministry of Finance on policy analysis. A typical working day consists of handling cases within the Government Offices with a particular focus on policy evaluation and budget-related issues.

What was your first job after graduation?

My first job after graduation was as a price analyst at the German home electronics chain Media Markt. I was responsible for analyzing and setting prices for the Swedish market using mainly statistical analysis and modeling.

How has your economics degree at Uppsala University helped you in your career?

The economics program has given me good tools to approach different types of issues in a systematic way. The knowledge of economics and econometric methods are the single most important tools for analyzing the consequences of policy decisions - and I use them every day.

Why did you choose the Master's program in Economics at Uppsala University?

The program in Uppsala offered an interesting mix of elective courses, for me the courses in political economy and public economics were particularly interesting. In addition, the program had a special focus on econometrics which I wanted to learn more about.

What is your best memory from your time at Uppsala University?

I studied at Uppsala University for a total of five years: it is impossible to summarize that time in a single memory and at the same time do justice to what it means to live in Uppsala and study at the university. That being said, writing a master's thesis was extremely rewarding because I had the opportunity to utilize all the skills I acquired during my studies to produce a single product.

What advice would you give to current and future Master's students in Economics?

My advice to current and future students is to try to make the most of your time in the program: engage with the material, interact with people, and take advantage of every opportunity. The contacts you make and the knowledge you acquire will be valuable when you enter the working world.