I went to the EAC open day, as I ll attend the economic assessment centre next week. The presenter made it clear that in order to become part of the GES you do not need more than 1st/2nd year undergraduate economics. Actually if you have deeper economic theory knowledge, it may play against you as the whole assessment is based around been able to apply A level economics concepts such as opportunity costs, price elasticity and the likes. Also, it was said that any knowledge of econometrics is pretty much irrelevant, as far as you understand what a x=3+5y equation means and what a t-stat is used for, you are knowledgeable enough to become an economist. Then, the presented said that having any knowledge of statistical software such as stata and eviews is pretty much irrelevant and that knowing how to use excel is far more important. Again, this is quite telling of the type of tasks you will be required to undertake as a GES individual. (I guess you ll just be plotting graphs of historical data through excel) Finally, it was said rather clearly that when you will be in your job role you cannot criticise of the government that is in charge. obviously you work for the government, thus you have to be ready to undertake the type of policy evaluations, with the statistical data and the objectives as set by the government in charge, which may really be anything other than fulfilling if you have a mind of your own. This does also make no sense since being an economist should be about providing critical analysis of enacted policies rather than politically friendly, far-fetched policy analysis which is in line with the same government which enacts the policies. I still do not understand how, as the presenter said, each year the GES is not able to fill the 200 places that it makes available, since the type of economic knowledge is so basic. I suggest you going to the EAC open day, it will provide you with a sufficient understanding of what the job is really like so you can decide whether it is for you.