Issue 15

An Interview with…

Hannah Bercasio

Why did you decide to go down the route of an apprenticeship? - I think that with apprenticeships you have a hands on learning experience with the theoretical side of things being taught in university but then you can directly apply what you have learned in your work. I love that balance because I have had difficulties learning in the classroom setting with my dyslexia due to the need for everything to be so concrete. However, I find that my personal strength is my ability to think differently and find innovative solutions which I do feel I can achieve through a degree apprenticeship. The apprenticeship that I am taking on with PwC means that I go to university at Nottingham and then do off-cycle internships with PwC outside term time which I think gives me the best of both worlds!

What led you to set up your tutoring business? - I have had bad teachers and bad tutors in the past who use outdated teaching systems and it was very hard to relate to them. I realised there is a gap in the market for student-led tutoring from people who know the most updated revision and exam techniques having taken the exams themselves. Having younger, more relatable tutors also creates an environment in which it is easier to make mistakes and grow from them. I had found it hard to find the right tutors and so I wanted to give back: I wanted to give my friends jobs tutoring and I wanted to make it easier for people to access tutoring.

What have you learned from setting up and running a business? - I’ve learned how important it is for you to find your “why”. When I started to find my “why” and stopped focusing on the money, that is when the money came through. I would also say that for people starting off and wanting to do entrepreneurship, you need to realise that LinkedIn and TikTok etc really romanticise having a business. Running a company is not a get rich quick scheme, it is hard and you will have to push through difficult times. Knowing your purpose will drive you forwards. I’ve also learned to really appreciate my employees because they are what build the business.

How do you apply your knowledge of economics to your business? - In running my tutoring business I feel as though I am able to apply the theoretical economics principles that I have learned in the classroom to a real-world business. For example, I am able to price discriminate and raise prices as it gets closer to exam season because I know the demand for tutoring is going to be much more inelastic.

What plans do you have for the future? - My dream is to own a business. I don’t know if my tutoring business will make me a millionaire. It probably won’t because it is such a saturated market but the skills that I am learning are insane. I am learning how to manage people, to manage finances, to network and build contacts.

Who is your biggest inspiration? - I would say there are two people. One of them is Cliff Weitzman, the owner of Speechify. He is dyslexic like me and I sometimes find that I make dyslexia my weakness, which it shouldn’t be because it is just me thinking differently, but listening to one of his podcasts has helped me to embrace my dyslexia. Secondly, I would say my mentor Ilisha Masaun who is the founder of econominds and she is my biggest inspiration because she is one step ahead of me so is able to give me advice and contacts and she has such a passion to help people. I see myself in her.

A deep dive into…

The Prosecution of Truong My Lan

The trial of Truong My Lan, a property developer accused of orchestrating one of Vietnam's largest bank frauds, helps to expose the deep-rooted challenges of corruption and governance within emerging economies. Truong My Lan is accused of exploiting regulatory loopholes and personal connections to allegedly siphon off billions of dollars from the banking system over an 11-year period.

This case highlights the connections between business and politics through Truong My Lan's alleged connections to powerful figures, illustrating the phenomenon of crony capitalism. In many emerging economies, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) often operate inefficiently and serve as vehicles for political patronage, leading to a lack of transparency and accountability.

Truong My Lan's purported ability to manipulate the banking system highlights the risks associated with concentrated economic power and weak regulatory oversight. The Vietnamese government's crackdown on corruption, exemplified by initiatives like the "Blazing Furnaces" campaign, reflects a broader trend across emerging markets to address systemic corruption and improve governance. While such efforts are crucial for creatung a fair and competitive business environment, they also pose challenges, including potential backlash from entrenched interests and concerns about due process and judicial independence. Vietnam's transition from a centrally planned to a market-oriented economy, initiated by the Doi Moi reforms in 1986, has led to significant economic growth and integration into the global economy. However, the persistence of corruption and weak institutional capacity remain obstacles to sustainable development. Balancing the need for economic liberalisation with effective governance and anti-corruption measures is crucial for Vietnam's continued growth and stability.

• Kaya G.

Quick-Fire News

Opportunity Corner

BNP Paribas summer internship scheme.

That is all for this issue, remember to share Girl Economics with anyone you think would enjoy reading it! See you in the next issue,

Erin McGurk