Picture: Steve Hicks, Agent for Wales, Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, Governor of the Bank of England, Ian Derrick, Deputy Agent for Wales, Bank of England with Swansea University Economics students.
A Swansea University student’s quick thinking and networking skills at a local business event in the city led to him to secure a visit from the Governor of the Bank of England.
Third year economics student Alastair Woodrow was at a Swansea Bay Business Club event as part of his Year in Industry placement. The event was with the Deputy Agent for Wales at the Bank of England, Ian Derrick and Alastair decided to take a chance and invite him to visit his fellow economics students at the university. As it happened the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, was planning a visit to Swansea and so Ian was happy to link him up with Swansea University.
Andrew Bailey’s visit included a Q&A session where the students gained unique insight into his expert views on topics such as monetary policy, financial system regulation, digital currency and AI and learned more about his professional career and other careers in the sector.
Alastair said:
“I would highly recommend students consider taking a Year in Industry - you never know what opportunities you'll be given – as my experience shows! I was completely amazed when Andrew Bailey kindly offered to visit. He presented the students with clear and practical examples that bridged concepts with the realities of the financial world and how economic theories operate in real-life contexts. Everyone was thrilled that he gave his time so generously and I hope that he enjoyed meeting the students and answering questions about economics and careers in the financial sector.”
Andrew Bailey said:
“It was a real pleasure to meet this cohort of students at Swansea University. Their curiosity, thoughtful questions, and enthusiasm across a range of economic topics made for a truly engaging session.”
Swansea University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Deborah Youngs said:
“I commend Alastair for seizing this opportunity and providing his fellow students with an unforgettable and invaluable experience. As an inspirational and successful leader at the very top of his profession, Andrew Bailey’s generosity in taking the time to share his insight and knowledge offers our students an invaluable learning and career insight experience, which will leave a lasting impression.”
Learn more about studying at the Department of Economics at Swansea University.