Ritwika Chakravarty
MSc Economics
Why did you choose to study at Warwick?
I chose to study MSc Economics at Warwick for two key reasons. Firstly, the Warwick Economics Department is globally renowned for its consistent excellence and reputation. Secondly, in 2022, I had the chance to participate in the Warwick Economics Summit from India. Through that experience, I saw how engaged and happy the students were, and how the University encouraged a holistic approach to economic learning and development. Since then, it had been my dream to study here. When I received my acceptance email, it felt like a dream come true.
Coming to Warwick has truly been transformative—it has changed my life completely! Warwick offers an incredible scope for independent study, and the Economics Department has exceeded all my expectations. I never imagined a university department could be this supportive and inspiring. Beyond academics, every aspect of Warwick—from the state-of-the-art library to the picturesque campus—feels like a dream. I’ve fallen in love with this University, and I am so grateful to be here.
What has been the highlight of Warwick so far?
One of the highlights of my experience has been the role of personal tutors. Every student is assigned a personal tutor from the Department, who serves as our first point of contact. I have been incredibly lucky to have Professor Subham Kailthya as my personal tutor, as his guidance has been invaluable. Whether it’s academic, non-academic, or personal queries, he has always been supportive, making my journey at Warwick even more enriching. This system of personal tutors provides an excellent way for students to connect with the department and feel supported throughout their studies.
What skills have you developed?
What sets Warwick Economics apart is its emphasis on critical thinking and exploration. Instead of rote learning, we’re encouraged to dive deep into our areas of interest and tackle problems creatively. Regular seminars for every subject bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, as we solve and analyse real-life problems. This has provided me with a holistic development, strengthening my understanding of economic theories while equipping me to apply them effectively to real-world challenges.
One of the most transformative aspects of my experience has been Professor Manuel Bagues’ econometrics class. Before coming here, I was intimidated by the idea of studying econometrics, but now it’s my favourite subject! I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the thought process behind solving econometric problems. A year ago, I wouldn’t have believed I could say this, but I enjoy studying econometrics the most now. All the professors are incredibly engaging and hold regular office hours where they patiently guide us, ensuring we make the most of our learning experience.
The Department also offers plenty of opportunities beyond academics, from career support to other engaging activities that keep us happy and balanced. I’ve also had the privilege of being part of the student representative body, which has allowed me to work closely with professors and witness first-hand how much they prioritise our welfare.
What are your career aspirations?
After completing my MSc, I aspire to continue in academia by pursuing a Ph.D. The support I’ve received at Warwick has been instrumental in shaping this goal. If I could go back in time and decide again whether to study my MSc at Warwick, I would choose it in a heartbeat. This experience has been one of the best things to happen to me—it has changed me as a person, made me more skilled, and helped me truly understand the importance of mastering key concepts. I wholeheartedly recommend Warwick to anyone considering studying here—it’s an opportunity you’ll cherish forever.