Aastha Bhat

What sparked your interest in Economics??

My interest in economics developed during my undergraduate studies, where I became increasingly curious about how economic principles could be combined with data science to understand real-world behaviour. I’ve always been someone who looks for the “why” behind things, and economics gave me a systematic way to explore those questions. A big part of what sparked my interest in economics was my personal exposure to the pharmaceutical industry through my father. Observing how he managed the demand and supply of essential medicines helped me intuitively grasp concepts like inelastic demand and even monopoly power. He built a small local monopoly in Delhi simply by earning people’s trust, showing me how economic principles play out beyond textbooks. Seeing these ideas take shape in everyday decisions, along with my natural inclination toward mathematics and modelling, motivated me to explore economics more seriously. This blend of personal experience, curiosity, and academic interest ultimately inspired me to pursue advanced studies in the field.

What appealed most about Warwick's MSc courses?

I chose to study economics at University of Warwick because of the strong reputation its Warwick Department of Economics holds for high-quality teaching and research excellence. What drew me most was the introduction of the new MSc in Economics and Data Science, a programme that perfectly aligns with my interest in the intersection of these two fields. Warwick also offers the opportunity to learn from leading researchers whose work actively shapes contemporary economic thinking. Being part of such an environment felt like the ideal next step for developing both my technical skills and academic foundation in economics.

What skills have you developed?

From the very beginning, the course has been rigorous in the best possible way. The modules are structured so that everything you learn feels relevant and purposeful. One of the most exciting parts of studying MSc Economics and Data Science is the technical skills I’m building across different modules. Using Python to analyse economic data and applying Stata in econometrics seminars has helped me connect theory with real-world application. The programme really shows how crucial data is in understanding and practising economics. Even though the workload can feel intense at times, the process makes you realise how much you’re growing, not only in terms of soft skills like problem-solving and resilience but also through the technical abilities you gain. Learning tools like R, Python, Stata, and MATLAB prepares you for the next steps in your career. I personally want to move into economic consultancy, and I can already see how the skills and guidance I’m receiving from the Department are going to play a vital role in shaping my future.