An interview with our alumnus: Jim Egan

Jim Egan is a Senior Research Associate at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism and an Oxford PPE alumnus. Since graduating in 1990, he has built a wide-ranging career spanning economics, media, public policy and journalism, including senior roles at Ofcom, Sky, the Financial Times and the BBC. We caught up with Jim to hear about his career journey, his return to Oxford, and the experiences and lessons from his degree that have stayed with him.

Tell us about your career after graduating.

I graduated in 1990 with a degree in PPE. After leaving Oxford, I studied for an MA in International Relations, specialising in International Economics, at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, DC.

In 1993, I joined PricewaterhouseCoopers as an economist in its management consulting division. After seven years in economic consulting, I began to specialise in the media sector. I went on to work in a regulatory capacity at Ofcom and as a specialist adviser at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), as well as holding roles within the media industry at Sky, the Financial Times and the BBC.

What is your current role or position?

I’m now back at Oxford in an academic research role at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.

Is there anything from your career or personal life that you are particularly proud of?

I was very proud to spend almost a decade as Chief Executive Officer of BBC World News, with responsibility for the BBC’s television and online news services for audiences around the world.

What did you most enjoy about studying economics at Oxford?

For me, the international aspect of economics was the most interesting. I was fortunate to be studying at a time of huge change in the global economic order, as the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union began a process of transition. Learning from some of the world’s leading thinkers while based at Oxford was incredibly exciting.

Which aspects of your degree have been most useful in your career?

The combination of economic theory with real-world practice, the interdisciplinary nature of the degree, and the emphasis on critical thinking have all been extremely useful throughout my career.

What advice would you give to someone considering an economics degree at Oxford today?

Get involved. Oxford is an incredibly stimulating academic environment, so look beyond your course for subjects, activities and people that interest you, and get connected with them. The opportunity to learn about and take part in such a wide variety of fascinating things is a very rare one - make the most of it.

What are three aspects of your time at Oxford that you value the most?

The memories of being fortunate enough to live in such a beautiful place and the lifelong friendships I made are probably the things I value most. I consider myself especially fortunate to be back in Oxford at a different stage of my life and to have the opportunity to enjoy it all over again.