Alessandro Campi

What motivated you to apply for the MSc programme in the Department of Economics at Warwick?

I decided to apply for the MSc in Economics and Data Science at Warwick because I felt it was the natural continuation for my academic journey, as I was about to graduate from a UG in Economics and Computer Science at Bocconi University. This novel program, merging Economics with Data Science, really caught my attention, as it would have allowed me to continue studying both of my main academic interests: Economics and Applied Statistics.

Was the scholarship important in enabling your studies?

The scholarship was definitely helpful in making the entry price feel less prohibitive, and I am really grateful for it.

What sparked your interest in the themes and issues you’re exploring during your MSc?

I have always had a profound interest for Economics, especially in the mathematical study of society, and in the Decision Theory sciences. However, when I started going to university, I also discovered my love for Data Science and Machine Learning, as they allow for powerful tools which can be used to learn about our complex world.

Which core or optional modules have had the biggest impact on your academic or professional development?

I would definitely say that Quantitative Macroeconomics and Machine Learning for Economists really rose above the top in terms of teaching quality and the content which was included. Not only they reinforced and fuelled my interest for these subjects, but I also got the opportunity to explore related fields which I had never considered before, and which are at the forefront of research, like Double Machine Learning for example.

What has it meant to you to be part of a diverse and inclusive cohort at Warwick?

The diversity at Warwick is amazing. I always felt welcome, and I got to meet so many people from so many different parts of the world. I learned a lot about many different cultures different from mine, and I made friends that I probably wouldn't have had the chance to meet elsewhere. One time some of my friends organised a Poetry Sharing event, where we got together to share poetry from our respective countries. It was planned as a celebration of our cultures, and an excuse to get together. It was really fun!

How do you plan to apply your MSc training after you graduate?

I would love to apply the things I learned here at Warwick to research avenues to navigate the era of AI in a welfare maximising way: leveraging its benefits in productivity, while keeping in mind its risks in job substitution and energy costs.

How did you navigate the application process, and what would you recommend others do?

I would recommend to start early. It's always best to apply, look for an accommodation, plan and organize your stay, research visa requirements and duties, while you have the time to do so. It is a relatively long process and it never comes without some hiccups along the way, so I would go in with an open mind and I would deal with it in a serious but relaxed manner.