David Gillmore – Analyst, Issues and International, Economics Department

New graduate David Gillmore joined the Bank in January 2008 and proves that it is never too late to start a new career. “I’m from New Zealand originally, but have lived much of my life overseas – Fiji, Los Angeles, London, Sydney and Japan,” he says.

“After leaving school, I studied economics at the University of California (UCLA), where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. That was in the 1970s. Since then, I’ve worked in a number of different fields – including a large Japanese travel agency and Japan Airlines in London, teaching English in Japan and, most recently, working as a registered nurse in a hospice.

“A few years ago I returned to the study of economics, at the University of Canterbury, where I completed a post-graduate honours course. I did this part-time while nursing at the hospice in Christchurch.” David says that although changing careers is a challenge, he is pleased to have done it and he is using a lot of what he learnt at university in his work at the Bank.

“Since I’ve been at the Reserve Bank, I have been working in the Economics Department – in the Issues and International Team. Initially, I was monitoring economic activity in the UK and European area, but have changed to the “issues” side of our team. That involves doing analysis on topics that are currently relevant and which impact on the New Zealand economy.

“I really like this type of work. Another thing I enjoy is talking about monetary policy to groups of secondary school economics students who visit the Bank.” He finds the environment at the Bank relaxed and friendly and enjoys the numerous social events. Overall he thinks it is a great place to start an economics career.

“There’s a lot to learn but there’s a lot of support for new staff, in terms of educational possibilities and in the openness of other staff members to assist newcomers. We have access to senior managers and there’s a commitment by the organisation to keeping staff informed about the bigger picture. For example, junior staff in the Economics Department get to attend the Monetary Policy Committee meeting as observer on a six-week rotation. I did that from my second day here.

“I think we’re never too old to explore new possibilities. And it’s great to be part of an organisation that’s making a positive contribution to our society.”