How did you first become interested in economics?
I became interested in economics during my A levels. I started reading The Economist's Economics Focus column which reported several real world issues and findings based on the work by economic scholars (or so-called Armchair Economists), which I found quite thought-provoking.
At the same time, I became enamoured with the macroeconomic debate surrounding the ideas of Keynes and Friedman, coupled with the fact that economics was subject to criticism and been even termed the 'dismal science'. Though the prose in Adam Smith's work didn't seem as understandable to an eager young mind, Marshall's Principles of Economics appealed to me for its rigour. Here was a subject matter to my heart's content which fascinated me for both its rigour, real-world significance, and passionate debate…I was hooked!
Why did you choose to study at the School of Economics at Nottingham?
I became interested in international economics during my undergrad days, the final year of the economics programme to be precise, at the University of Mauritius, in 2000/01.
Through the connections between the University of Mauritius and University of Nottingham (for example, external examiners were often from Nottingham), I was well aware of Nottingham's reputation in the field of International Economics (for example, I knew of the Centre for Globalisation and Labour Markets, which later became GEP and knew of the work of David Greenaway and Chris Milner on trade policy and in particular on Mauritius).
Thus, I applied to study an MSc Economics and International Economics, with the firm intention to pursue a PhD study if I could. I suppose I never looked back once I was awarded a GEP scholarship to do a PhD at Nottingham!
What are your fondest memories of your time at the school?
There are several…My interaction with PhD colleagues during tea/coffee break, interaction with Faculty in the staff lounge debating economics (and sometimes cricket!), research seminars and the public lectures (I particularly liked the 'Inaugural Lectures'), Rod Falvey's and Richard Cornes' classes (they developed my liking for theory, at least for a short while!), success as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (ok a bit vain perhaps, but it gave me the confidence that I could teach and that there was life for me as an academic), and finally Friday football (especially giving me the chance to unwind!).
What advice would you give to someone considering or about to start a course at the school?
Think in five years or ten years, how this particular degree you're about to choose could and would help you. Make your decision on that basis but also choose something you like, don't choose to do a degree for the sake of the degree or the prestige of the university.
Mingle and talk to other fellow students, especially if you're an international student go beyond friends of the same national ilk, and exchange views and ideas with folks from other nationalities. You'll learn beyond your imagination and become a global citizen (I hope I don't sound too cliché here).
Tell us about your career path since graduation.
Since I left the UK I ended up in Ningbo, China; at the China campus of the University of Nottingham. I came here as a Visiting Lecturer to teach econometrics for a semester in 2007. One semester turned into 10 years (and counting)! I was hired on a full-time basis as an Assistant Professor in Economics in the Business School (there wasn't a School of Economics in the early days of the campus), where I've been ever since.
I mostly taught methods courses in the initial years, while now I'm teaching organisational economics and game theory to business students. On the research side my work has shifted towards working on China and in fact most of my published work has pertained to China. Of course I started to work in other areas, such as spatial economics and economics of international business.
I've also started supervising PhD students with two co-supervised with Chris Milner via the School of Economics, which has been an enriching experience. As such I've continued my journey with Nottingham which began in 2001.
What do you enjoy most about that?
One important part of my current work that I enjoy the most is research. This includes not only the published outcome but the actual process. From ideation, setting the groundwork, doing your analysis, getting results and writing it up. This aspect of 'creation of new knowledge' about research is what gets me going.
The second aspect of my work I like is teaching. I enjoy teaching as it enables me to share the same passion I have for economics with my students. There can be nothing more fulfilling than, after a course, when you have students who've developed a liking for economics and sometimes want to take it up for further studies, some even for a PhD!
And what are the main challenges?
As an academic it seems we rarely have a breather or holidays for that matter (despite the notion of academic freedom), what with juggling service, research and teaching, especially as you face the 'publish or perish' culture and challenge of the academic environment. But I guess this is the life we've chosen and at the moment I wouldn't have it any other way!
Have your experiences at the school helped you?
Yes most certainly. Both in my current job and life. The training I got in economics at Nottingham has helped and is helping me as I teach economics now. PhD life taught me to be independent in many ways, among which to be an independent thinker.
Are you still in touch with your fellow alumni and, if so, how do you stay in contact?
Not as much as I wold have liked. Though we do have a few Nottingham graduates working at the Ningbo campus. Some who became academics, I meet at conferences every now and then, and stay in touch via email mostly. I must confess I'm not an avid social media user which I gather hasn't helped with staying in touch. Also given I'm working for Nottingham, it feels I've never left and haven't felt as a 'former' something.
Why is staying in touch important to you?
Staying in touch is important for the memories foremost, then it's about sharing experiences which can be valuable for your work and life. For instance, we learn of good practices in other places (universities and countries), and of new opportunities (funding and potential collaboration), this of course from the circle of Nottingham academic alumni.
Have you been back to the school since you graduated?
Yes, back in 2009 I came back for a one week trip as part of the GEP retreat, which gave me the opportunity to catch up with several of the faculty. Will definitely look to the next opportunity!