From Computer Engineer to Economist and Entrepreneur: meet our alumnus Aman Bhardwaj

From Computer Engineer to Economist and Entrepreneur: meet our alumnus Aman Bhardwaj

Wednesday 24 Apr 2024

BSc in Economics is a typical pathway for anybody wishing to become an economist, but there are other ways to achieve this career goal, even if you don’t have a first degree in economics. We caught up with a former student of the Department of Economics, who had chosen a different route to become an economist and a successful entrepreneur. Meet Aman Bhardwaj whose first degree is in Computer Science, followed by the Warwick Economics Diploma plus the MSc Economics completed in 2016.

Aman is an Investment Manager and Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor with extensive experience of mergers and acquisitions, credit analysis and portfolio management. He is also a successful entrepreneur involved in three companies: Pinksalt PartnersLink opens in a new window, as a Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer; Future BricksLink opens in a new window, as their CEO; and, Head of dns Corporate AdvisoryLink opens in a new window.

Having completed his first degree in computer science with a first-class honours in 2012, Aman worked as a Systems Engineer for Infosys in India. In 2014 he enrolled on a conversion course to become an economist – the Warwick’s Diploma Plus MSc Economics which he completed in 2016.

Soon after graduating from Warwick Aman worked for dns Accountants as Head of Corporate Advisory Services advising small and medium businesses in the area of mergers and acquisitions. In 2020, Aman co-founded Pinksalt Partners, a private equity venture focusing on investing in accounting businesses in the UK. In 2023 Aman became the CEO of Future Bricks, a tech-driven funding platform for small & medium-sized housebuilders within the UK and backed by corporate and individual investors.

We asked Aman about his career journey to date:

Your first degree was in Computer Science, but in 2014 you enrolled on a conversion course – Diploma in Economics plus MSc. What made you decide on this career path to become an economist?

Growing up in post-1991 India, when the economy was liberalised, I witnessed the economic transformation around me without fully understanding the underlying causes. As I grew older and travelled more, I realised that growth was not distributed equitably across the country, and I asked myself why and how this could be addressed. My curiosity to find answers led me on my journey to study economics. My first exploratory step was a six-week summer school at LSE, where I studied Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, which only made me more intrigued, and I decided to return to the UK for my Master's degree.

The two-year MSc Economics programme at Warwick proved an ideal fit. It enabled a seamless transition from my computer science background to an economics degree, and I found the experience highly rewarding.

What specific modules on the Diploma plus MSc Economics course did you enjoy most and why?

In my first year, I thoroughly enjoyed Development Economics (Macro). This course offered a historical perspective on the divergence of nations' fortunes across the world, highlighting the crucial role of 'institutions' in this context. This course laid the foundation for my MSc dissertation and provided a fundamental understanding of why some countries prosper while others remain poor. In my second year, I loved Public Finance, and Public Policy in Developing Countries. These courses presented contrasting challenges faced by policymakers in developed and developing countries, with the latter's topics being particularly relatable.

How did you find out about our unique Diploma plus MSc Economics course?

When I decided to pursue a Master's degree in economics, I realised I needed a bridge to cross over from my computer science background. That's when I discovered Warwick's Diploma plus MSc Economics programme - it was the perfect fit! I didn't just rely on university rankings (although Warwick's Department of Economics consistently tops the charts!). I also reached out to students who had walked the same path before me. And when I had questions during the application process, the admissions team was super responsive and helpful.

What economics research did you undertake for your MSc dissertation?

My research curiosity for my dissertation was shaped in the first year's Development Economics module. I explored how a country’s population's education level attainment influences its economic prospects, both directly and by improving the quality of ‘institutions’. I found that 'Institutions Matter, So Does Human Capital', which became the title of my dissertation. Professor Sascha Becker was very helpful as my dissertation supervisor.

You are a Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Pinksalt Partners, a private equity venture. When did you become interested in private equity and what’s your current involvement with this company?

In the early days, I was involved in structuring smaller deals with a limited number of private investors - I truly liked it. And when these investments yielded promising returns for investors within a few years, the feeling was not only rewarding but also empowering.

As CIO at Pinksalt Partners, where we invest in accounting businesses across the UK, my responsibilities include deal origination, negotiations, fundraising, investor relations, and selecting the right leaders for our portfolio businesses. What sets us apart from other private equity firms is our people-centric approach to decision-making, prioritising the needs of clients, teams, and vendors alike. This means we retain the existing teams and vendors, and further invest in upskilling them, which I find particularly rewarding.

How did you become the CEO of Future Bricks? What’s the most interesting aspect of this job?

I recently became CEO of FutureBricks following our acquisition. The UK is still grappling with a significant housing shortage, which is partly down to small and medium-sized property developers struggling to secure development finance. FutureBricks is tackling this challenge by streamlining the funding process, making it more efficient and rapid. Additionally, we're democratising development funding by enabling individuals and small business owners to invest directly in projects. It's thrilling to lead a team that's making a meaningful impact on this critical national issue.

What economics skills do you value most and why?

In my opinion, the most valuable economics skills are those that enhance critical thinking, strategic decision-making, and effective negotiation. The distinction between co-relation and causation has shaped my thinking in everyday life.

In recent years, I am more involved in deal making where game theory and behavioural economics lessons do come very handy. I always found concept of loss-aversion quite fascinating, and awareness of this concept helps during negotiations.

My MSc programme had a strong focus on macroeconomics, and I selected Public Finance and Monetary Economics as my optional modules, in addition to Advanced Macroeconomics. This training enables me to make informed decisions about future interest rate movements, which is critical to my investment decisions.

What advice would you give to someone considering choosing your path to becoming an economist?

I believe economics training primarily focuses on teaching you how to think about the practical aspects of life. Once you're equipped with this mindset, you can apply it across various fields. A degree in economics offers a broader range of career options compared to any other field of study. So go for it.

Two years at Warwick had a profound impact on my life. It shaped my thinking, taught me concepts of economics, and brought the most incredible people in my life and introduced me to other cultures. Living on campus in my first year and cycling to and from Kenilworth in my second year was enjoyable. I highly recommend Warwick to anyone considering studying economics - it's an exceptional institution.