International economics in action: Cardiff graduate drives monetary policy in Pakistan
Mudassar Ali Khan (MSc 2007) studied International Economics, Banking and Finance at Cardiff Business School.
He tells us about how studying in Cardiff was instrumental to his successful career with the State Bank of Pakistan.
I chose the MSc in International Economics, Banking and Finance at Cardiff University because it aligned perfectly with my passion for monetary policy and international economics. What I really valued was how the programme combined rigorous macroeconomic theory with practical insights.
The flexibility of modules like International Finance and Quantitative Methods allowed me to tailor the course to my ambitions, while the strong research culture at Cardiff Business School, gave the degree a practical edge. This programme strengthened my technical and analytical foundations and gave me the confidence and preparation I needed for pursuing a career in central banking.
My favourite thing about studying this course was how closely it connected classroom learning with real-world policy. The interactive talks and guest lectures from experts representing institutions like the International Monetary Fund, the Bank for International Settlements and the Bank of England were especially inspiring, as they brought global economic issues to life.
The skills I developed during programme have been instrumental in my career at the State Bank of Pakistan, where I have now worked for over 13 years. I am currently working as an Economist at the Monetary Policy Department. My MSc programme strengthened my ability to apply quantitative methods and economic theory to real-world policy challenges, which now directly supports my work in external sector analysis and monetary policy formulation.
On a typical day, I work with my team on external sector analysis and projections that feed into the monetary policy cycle. This involves monitoring global and domestic economic developments, assessing their implications for Pakistan’s external accounts, and contributing insights that support policy formulation.
Looking back, my MSc provided not just academic knowledge but the practical, policy-relevant tools I rely on every day as an economist. Some days can be demanding, but never tiring, as they remind that I am doing the kind of work I always aspired to do.
When I moved to the UK to study, Cardiff won me over almost instantly. As one of the youngest capital cities, it felt vibrant and full of energy, yet compact enough to be welcoming and easy to get around. I loved the combination of parks and lakes, a lively city centre, and of course the Cardiff Bay, which gave the city its unique charm. What made it even more memorable was the warmth of the people and the fun times I shared with friends. I always felt safe, and very quickly, Cardiff became a city I could truly call home.
I would recommend the MSc in International Economics, Banking and Finance to anyone aspiring to work in central banking, international finance, or with multilateral institutions. It offers the perfect balance of academic training, exposure to real-world debates, and flexibility to pursue your own interests.
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