From MSc to PhD: Studying Finance & Economics at WBS

Current MRes/PhD Finance & Economics participant and MSc alum Giorgio Militello shares insights into his academic journey at WBS.

Coming from an Economics background, the transition into the MSc Finance and Economics was no easy task. The academic rigour and demanding nature of the programme made it clear from the outset that studying here came with significant responsibility, both for oneself and as a representative of Warwick Business School, an institution renowned for its academic excellence and contributions to research.

However, throughout my journey over the past three years at WBS —first as an MSc student, then as part of the integrated MRes/PhD programme in Finance & Economics—I never felt alone. One of the most rewarding aspects has been meeting incredibly driven, passionate, and inspiring people. Many of these individuals, whom I now proudly call friends, have not only supported me through the more demanding moments but have also become a source of motivation.

The academic journey itself has been deeply enriching. I had the opportunity to take intellectually stimulating modules during my MSc that equipped me with essential skills in Finance and Economics. Some modules, such as Fixed Income and Empirical Finance, stood out to me, ultimately inspiring me to pursue a PhD. The comprehensive knowledge and insights I gained from these modules drove me to delve even further into topics that have fascinated me since the beginning of my studies.

As I transitioned into the MRes/PhD programme, the experience became even more transformative. Over the last two years, I have grown tremendously, not only academically but also personally. Warwick has been a nurturing environment where I have had access to world-class research resources, networking opportunities, and, most importantly, invaluable mentoring from both peers and professors. Their guidance, combined with the peer support of my fellow students, has been instrumental in my development as a future researcher in Finance.

Looking to the future, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The path ahead may be challenging, but I feel well-equipped to tackle it thanks to the rigorous training, supportive community, and excellent resources I’ve encountered during my time here. I am hopeful that the research skills I have developed will allow me to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in Finance, and I look forward to the next stages of my academic and professional journey.

To anyone considering whether WBS is the right place to begin or continue their academic or professional career, I offer this: as someone who left sunny Sicily in search of the unknown eight years ago, I understand the fear and uncertainty that can come with such a decision.

Warwick has become a home for me—both in the academic sense and in the personal connections I’ve made. It is a place where I met people who share my passions and are working towards similar goals. The support network, combined with the resources available, makes Warwick an excellent environment for anyone looking to push the boundaries of their academic or professional journey.

Good luck with your decision, and I hope my experience has helped shed some light on what you might expect from your journey at WBS!

Find out more about our Doctoral courses here, or our Masters courses here.