Junanto Herdiawan

Tell us about your degree - why did you choose it? What elements of the degree inspired you to study it?

I love Economics, and since I already worked at the Central Bank, a Masters Degree in Economics would give me an advantage to understand more about the dynamics of macro economy.

What was the best part of your studies here? What did you enjoy the most?

The best part of my studies was the way Leeds University Business School built a learning environment. The class, the study environment, the building and all the supporting infrastructures. I learned a lot from lecturers, scholars, and also from the experience of other students.

What were your career aspirations when you arrived? Do you think the experience and skills you gained here will help/helped you in your future career plans? In what way?

The experience I gained from studying at the Business School really helped my career path. After graduation, I returned to my role as an economist at the central bank. Most of the knowledge I gained from the course has enriched my view on how to analyse economic development in countries like Indonesia. Being an alumni of the Business School, I also have the advantage of networking with other alumni. This has really helped in the development of my career path.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? Have there been any notable highlights?

It's been 16 years since I left the business school, I see that my career life has progressed very well and I live a dynamic and interesting life. I have worked in various different functions in central bank, which has broadened my knowledge and experience. I worked as an economist at the head quarter in Jakarta, I was posted in Tokyo, Japan, for three years, and then moved to Surabaya (second largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta), before returning to Jakarta.

Where are you currently working, and what is your role?

I am now working at Bank Indonesia, the Central Bank of Indonesia. My role now is Acting Head of Bank Indonesia, Fintech Office. Fintech is now an area with the potential to revitalise the country's economy. For regulator such as a central bank, it is important to monitor the development of FinTech. FinTech has the potential to effect monetary policy transmission, the safety and soundness of the financial industry, banking, the resilience of the financial system, and the nature of shocks that it might face.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I hope that I could be useful, helpful, and beneficial to others with the knowledge that I have. Serving  others is a very important purpose of my life.

Do you think your experience and skills gained here will help you in your future career plans? In what way?

The experience and skills that I gained from the Business School was the starting point in my career path, and I believe this will always support my future career plans. Every time I go to Alumni meeting, we have many things to share.

If you are not from the UK, how was the transition to a foreign country? Did the university offer support or services that you found helpful? Can you offer any advice?

The university support is getting better and more active nowadays which is a good signal for the alumni. Cooperation and coordination between countries is very important. Business School alumni come from many different countries, so connecting, networking and sharing experiences is very important. I was invited to join a Leeds University Business School Alumni Whatsapp group, which is a nice way to reconnect again with the university.

What was your impression/experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the student union, the City of Leeds and the region itself? What would you recommend to future students?

Terrific. I re-visited Leeds two years ago and I was very impressed by the progress made in the city. It was an unforgettable experience for me studying at the Business School, and seeing that progress is being made and the facilities are getting even better makes me proud. I recommend that future students try new things and connect with different students from many countries during their time here.

What would you say is your defining memory of studying here? (eg friendships made, confidence in your abilities, or any single event that you will always remember?) And would you recommend the Business School to others

Friendship that I made with students from other countries. I made friends with students from Greece, India, Bangladesh, Senegal, Ghana, Thailand, and I am still connecting with them now!

And for sure, I would recommend Leeds University Business School to others... and maybe to my daughter when she goes to university!