We’re excited to kick off our first Member Spotlight of 2025 with Livvy Mitchell!
Livvy is a PhD Candidate in Economics at AUT University and a Research Affiliate at Motu Economic and Public Policy Research. Her research focuses on labour and health economics, specifically the impact of youth victimisation and suicide on parents’ outcomes in Aotearoa.
Her passion for applied research was sparked during her undergraduate studies, and she has since made a significant impact in her field. Most recently, she won three major awards at the 2024 New Zealand Association of Economists Conference for her PhD research.
Livvy’s journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of asking the right questions. We had the chance to learn more about her work, career lessons, and advice for others. Here’s what she shared:
1. Where do you work, and what is your current job title?
I am currently in my final year as a PhD Candidate (Economics) at AUT University, although I am living in Wellington-based at Motu Economic and Public Policy Research as a Research Affiliate. My PhD research sits within labour and health economics, using causal inference techniques to estimate the effects of youth victimisation and youth suicide on parents’ outcomes in Aotearoa.
2. What led you to choose your career and/or industry?
A pivotal point in my Bachelor’s studies was a capstone research project that opened my eyes to the world of applied economic research. In this group-based applied project, we researched the economics of charitable giving and were exposed to key research elements such as crafting a good research question, thinking critically about research, data analysis, and how to write a good research paper. It was from this experience that I decided I wanted to pursue empirical economics as a means for contributing to the public policy setting in Aotearoa.
3. What is a professional and/or career highlight you're proud of?
This happened recently at the 2024 New Zealand Association of Economists Conference where I presented one of the chapters from my PhD, entitled The effect of violent assaults on youth victims and their parents. I was most grateful to have received the Jan Whitwell Prize for the best PhD-student presentation, the Seamus Hogan Research Prize for the best public policy paper written by a student, and the Stats NZ Price for the paper with the best use of official statistics. This moment was hugely exciting and would not have been possible without the invaluable support I have received from my supervisors.
4. What is one skill you think is important to learn or improve today?
To ask questions! This is a skill I am continually trying to improve on. I sometimes find myself hesitant to ask questions in public settings through a fear of being wrong, and can leave a situation feeling disappointed I didn’t reach out to someone or find out some information that I was seeking. Learning how to overcome this mental hurdle and to have the confidence to ask questions in any setting is an invaluable skill. You have so much to gain and little to lose from conversing with someone – you never know what might come out of it!
One way I try to improve on this is by challenging myself to ask at least one question at each seminar I attend or to introduce myself to someone new each day at a conference. Easier said than done, but I’m getting there!
5. What is a key lesson you've learned in your career?
Progress is non-linear. When I set out on my PhD journey, I was expecting to finish one thesis chapter per year over the three-year period. What I didn’t realise is that progress is non-linear; you spend a lot of the first two years in a trial-and-error cycle, meaning a lot of the work is actually completed in the final year once you have learned from your mistakes and have a better idea of the research output you are after. As a result, it’s important to develop the skills of adaptability and flexibility. Things don’t always go to plan, so being able to pivot and adjust to changing circumstances is crucial (not just for output, but also for your own mental health!).
6. Is there any book, podcast, or resource that has really impacted your work life?
I have really enjoyed the podcast Probable Causation, hosted by Jennifer Doleac. Probable Causation hosts a range of interviews with economic academics about their research in law, economics, and crime. It has been inspiring hearing not only of the types of research being conducted in the criminal justice space, but also learning how researchers explain their research methodology and findings in a clear and succinct way.
7. What do you like to do when you're not working and why?
I love group fitness classes, going for walks, and spending quality time with friends and family. The serotonin kick from exercise and socialising helps me mentally switch off from work and enjoy my home-life.
Join Our Community Spotlight! Inspired by Livvyy's journey? Every BGS NZ member has a unique story that can enlighten and inspire others. Click here to share your story with us. Let's celebrate the diversity and achievements of our community together!
