Learning the language of central banking

Global Central Banking and Financial Regulation qualifications participant, Naweed Hoosenmia, shares his experience of the programme after completing his first year of study.

Why did you choose to study the Global Central Banking and Financial Regulation qualifications?

When I transitioned from the investment industry to working at a central bank, I realised that there was a distinct "language of central banking" that I needed to grasp quickly. The Global Central Banking and Financial Regulation qualifications at Warwick Business School (WBS) offered the perfect opportunity to bridge that gap, as the curriculum was highly relevant to my day-to-day work. My decision to pursue further formal education was primarily driven by the opportunity to access a comprehensive body of knowledge that blended both theory and practical application. What particularly stood out was the course's integration of insights from seasoned central bankers at the Bank of England.

How has the bursary supported you in your journey?

Coming from South Africa, the cost of pursuing the course—especially with the exchange rate to the British pound—would have been prohibitively expensive. However, the bursary, along with support from my employer, who strongly values employee development, made it possible for me to seize this opportunity. Without this crucial financial support, I would not have been able to enrol in the programme and enhance my knowledge in such a meaningful way.

What is your favourite module on the programme?

In today's economic climate, where central banks are at the forefront of the global inflation debate, I found the Monetary Policy and Analysis module particularly engaging. It provided a well-rounded exploration of the key issues policymakers currently face. The Behavioural Finance module was equally insightful, as it challenged me to reflect on psychological biases in decision-making—a critical skill when analysing markets and policies. Both modules gave me invaluable tools to apply in my professional environment.

What are the benefits of online study?

One of the best aspects of the programme was the ability to access the expertise and insights of experienced lecturers while studying from the other side of the world. This format allowed me to avoid the significant time and financial costs associated with international travel. As professionals, we've all had to adapt to the virtual and hybrid work environment since 2020, and this course was perfectly suited to such an environment. It allowed me to maintain my work-life balance while continuing my education.

How has the course impacted your career?

The programme has already had a direct impact on my career. For instance, I've begun applying the tools and techniques I learned in the Big Data course to my daily work, which involves extensive interest rate-related analysis. Additionally, the programme has helped me gain a stronger grasp of complex, forward-looking policy discussions, enabling me to engage more confidently and meaningfully in technical conversations at work.

Would you recommend the programme?

I would highly recommend this programme to any student, particularly those from emerging markets like myself. If you're a relatively new employee of a central bank, this course is an excellent way to accelerate your learning. The course will increase both the breadth and depth of your knowledge of the global central banking landscape, and the actions policymakers take.