From MSc Finance to PhD at Warwick Business School

I studied MSc Finance at Warwick Business School before continuing as a postgraduate researcher in Finance and Econometrics.

My decision to pursue a PhD at WBS was strongly influenced by my experience during the MSc Finance programme which I really enjoyed. I had the opportunity to gain early exposure to faculty research, especially through my Master’s dissertation. That experience helped me understand what academic research involves and motivated me to continue developing my research interests. Given the strength of the faculty, the research environment, and the support I had already experienced, WBS felt like a natural and excellent place to continue my academic journey.

PhD student experience at WBS: A collaborative and supportive research environment

Looking back, the most rewarding part of my PhD experience was the intellectual environment at WBS. I benefitted greatly from discussions with my supervisors, who provided valuable guidance and support throughout the programme. I also enjoyed interacting with other PhD students. We shared a large open office space, which created many opportunities for informal discussions, exchanging ideas, and learning from each other. These interactions were extremely valuable, both academically and personally, and they made the PhD experience more collaborative and enjoyable.

Developing research ideas

What motivated me most was the process of developing a research idea from an initial question into a more complete academic project. I found it very rewarding to identify an interesting economic pattern, think carefully about the underlying mechanism, and then use data and theory to explain it. The discussions with my supervisors and peers were also a major source of motivation, as they helped me refine my ideas and think more deeply about the contribution of my research.

The WBS PhD programme structure

When I joined the PhD programme, it followed a four-year structure. The programme has since moved to a six-year structure to include an MRes degree, and I think the current 2+4 format provides even stronger academic training. Students now have the opportunity to take courses from both Economics and WBS before choosing their supervisors, which helps them build a broader and stronger foundation. The four-year research stage also gives students more time to develop their research agenda, produce high-quality work, and prepare for the academic job market.

Supervision at WBS: Expert guidance and academic freedom

I had a very positive experience working with my supervisors. They were highly supportive of my research and gave me the freedom to develop my own ideas while also providing careful guidance when needed. Their feedback helped me improve the clarity, structure, and contribution of my research. Overall, working with my supervisors was one of the most important and valuable parts of my PhD experience.

From Postdoctoral Research to Assistant Professor

After graduating from WBS, I joined the University of Cambridge as a postdoctoral research associate, where I continued to develop my research in international finance and financial markets. I am now an Assistant Professor in the Thrust of Financial Technology at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou).

Advice for prospective PhD students

My advice to prospective PhD students considering WBS would be to first think carefully about whether they are genuinely interested in academic research. A PhD is very different from industry work. It requires patience, independence, and a strong interest in asking and answering research questions. I would also encourage prospective students to enjoy the period before starting the PhD, because once the programme begins, the work can become very intensive. At the same time, for those who are passionate about research, a PhD can be an extremely rewarding experience. WBS provides a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment to develop as a researcher.