Bernardo Xavier Fernandez, Bolivia

MSc International & Financial Economics 

University of Strathclyde

"I am very grateful to all the sponsors of the scholarship and I humbly hold my commitment to keep contributing to the progress of Bolivia."

Thanks to the Chevening/British Gas/University of Strathclyde Scholarship I had the chance to study a Master of Science in International and Financial Economics at the University of Strathclyde in 2004/05. After such an unforgettable experience, I returned to Bolivia and resumed my job at the Central Bank of Bolivia (CBB) as a Senior Analyst in the Open Market Operations (OMO) Unit. After a while, my MSc dissertation was published in the Central Bank’s Journal and also in Monetaria, a well-know Mexican Journal  

In 2006, after a very challenging recruitment process, I became the Head of the OMO Unit. This position gave me the chance to apply much of what I learned in the MSc Programme, especially on the macroeconomic and financial fields. Finally, in October of 2007, I was positioned as the Deputy Manager of OMO of the CBB, an achievement that certainly makes me very proud.

My experience studying the MSc at Strathclyde was certainly very rewarding. I had the satisfaction of meeting very interesting and kind people such as my classmates, Professors and the University staff. I also made many good friends while participating in some other activities organized by the University and the Glasgow City Council. As I said before, this has been possible only thanks to the Chevening/British Gas/University of Strathclyde Scholarship. I am very grateful to all the sponsors of the Scholarship and I humbly hold my commitment to keep contributing to the progress of Bolivia.