Meet a FarrPointer - Kate Milne

A quick Q&A chat with (this will open in a new window)Kate Milne, FarrPoint's new Economist.

You recently joined FarrPoint as an Economist. Is this what you saw your career path to be when you were a kid? If not, what did you want to be?

As a child, I initially wanted to be a teacher, influenced by my mum and gran who were both teachers. However, as I grew older and saw all the late nights and marking, I reconsidered! When I started looking at what to study at university, I wasn’t sure what career I wanted, but ultimately chose Economics and Finance. Initially, I leaned towards finance, but after studying it more, I found myself drawn to economics, especially after an internship in my third year.

What does your typical weekend look like?

On Fridays my boyfriend and I usually cook a nice meal together and enjoy a glass of red wine or two! Lately, I’ve been spending more time outdoors, on long walks with my dog or taking on some Munros. Typically, Saturdays involve catching up with friends for a coffee or heading out for some drinks, while Sundays are for relaxing and getting ready for the week ahead.

Kate and her boyfriend climbing Stob Binnein.

Kate and her dog at a coffee shop.

If you had a time machine, would you travel to the past or the future, and why?

I’d travel to the past—I wouldn’t want to know what’s coming in the future; that would just give me anxiety. I’d love to relive memories I can’t fully remember, see my grandparents again, and experience moments from my younger life.

Where is your favourite place in the world, and why?

Scotland is my favourite place—everything is right on my doorstep. I love Glasgow and have never lived anywhere else. There’s so much to do, with beautiful spots to explore, and even the weather doesn’t bother me as much as people say it should.

Two of Kate's favourite places: Glasgow and a view of Ullapool as seen from the ferry en route to the Isle of Harris.

What’s been the biggest adventure of your life so far? Would you do it again?

Coming straight out of university into lockdown, I didn’t get the chance to travel as planned—I had hoped to go to Australia and work as an Au Pair in Seville, but neither happened. So, my biggest adventure has probably been the past year. Completing my master’s was tough, but graduating was amazing. I also changed jobs and managed to fit in a lot of travel.

Kate at her Masters Graduation at The University of Edinburgh

What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie that you love to binge-watch?

My guilty pleasure TV show is Sex and the City—I’ve always loved it! It’s an easy, comforting watch. [Interviewer interjects - who is your favourite?] Samantha is my favourite, and I have to admit, I’m not the biggest fan of Carrie.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

Applying for the Economist position at FarrPoint! It was a big step out of my comfort zone – moving into a new role and an entirely different sector – but I knew it was time for a change and I’ve loved every moment since!

What would you choose as your last meal?

My gran grew up in Dunoon with Italian neighbours who shared so many delicious recipes with her which she later passed on to me. So, for my last meal, I’d have to choose her classic spaghetti Bolognese and garlic bread, made from her original recipe. It’s a dish I’ve always loved – nothing beats it! [Interviewer: Is there a secret ingredient?] I think just adding a huge amount of red wine—my gran always said we were “saving water” by using wine! Oo, and for dessert, I would go for a tiramisù.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people at FarrPoint might not know?

A fun fact that most people at FarrPoint might not know is that I can speak conversational Spanish. I studied languages at school, and Spanish just stuck with me!

Who would you like to nominate for the next interview?

FarrPoint’s Principal Consultant - JD.