Graduate - Economist

Energise your career. Shape GB’s energy future.

We’re the National Energy System Operator (NESO) — the independent public corporation at the heart of the energy transition. Our job? Ensuring the lights stay on today while designing a reliable, clean, and affordable energy system for tomorrow.

The markets NESO runs are currently worth around £3bn a year – and that’s only set to grow by 2030. For market participants, this is a major revenue stream, but our mission is bigger than just the numbers. We’re focused on creating real value for consumers, keeping costs in check while shaping the energy future.

Here’s the big picture: to hit Clean Power 2030 goals, the UK needs around £40bn investment every single year. NESO plays a key role in advising government on designing the markets and policies to make that happen – efficiently, sustainably, and at pace.

As a Graduate Economist, you’ll join our 18-month Graduate Programme completing three 6-month placements across key teams. You’ll be part of the decision-making that shapes the economic frameworks and commercial models behind our energy future – from how we invest in infrastructure to how we evolve energy electricity markets.

What you’ll be doing

From day one, you’ll work on real challenges with real impact. You’ll collaborate across NESO – with engineers, modellers, analysts, and policy specialists – to make sense of the complex economics behind Britain’s electricity system.

You could be:

• Applying economic thinking to a variety of energy policy challenges
• Developing cost-benefit analysis for major investment decisions
• Using your economic insights to shape whole-energy system strategy
• Conducting economic analysis of fast-evolving energy markets (e.g. flexibility, storage, and balancing services)
• Helping design and evaluate future market arrangements to enable the energy transition
• Analysing huge datasets and delivering insights in simple but impactful ways
• Working with government, regulators, and industry to develop trusted economic recommendations
• Translating complex ideas into accessible content for stakeholders

What we’re looking for

You’re curious, analytical, and ready to learn fast. You love using economics to solve real-world problems – and you’re confident simplifying complexity to drive decisions.

You’ll need a minimum 2:2 degree in:

• Economics
• Maths
• Business or related discipline
• Bonus: a full UK driving licence is desirable (but not essential).

What you’ll get

• £34,895 salary + £2,000 welcome payment
• Performance bonus
• 26 days annual leave plus UK public holidays
• Birthday day off – enjoy your birthday as a paid day off!
• Structured training, mentorship and career development
• Access to professional networks, learning pathways and volunteering opportunities
• Work that aligns with your values – and drives impact for everyone

Why NESO? At NESO, your work will shape the future. You’ll help GB reach its net zero goals – and make sure our energy system is affordable, resilient and inclusive.

We’re a team that’s:

• Purpose-led and values-driven
• Brilliant and collaborative
• Inclusive, diverse and approachable
• Always learning, always improving

Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heard of what we do. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may need.

How to apply

Closing date: ongoing – we recommend applying early! As soon as all our spaces are filled, we will close the online application form.

Assessment centres: November 2025 onwards

Together, we’re energising progress. Start your journey with NESO — and help shape the future of energy for everyone. We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people.

Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.

Apply now