Crawford School of Public Policy

The Crawford School of Public Policy thrives because of the varied backgrounds of our students and staff. Anand Batjargal is no exception to this, travelling to complete a degree from Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia.

The Australian educational system is renowned for its rich curriculum and high rankings, consistently being one of the best in the world. After researching many options, Anand chose the Master of International and Development Economics at the Crawford School.

“I would like to think that every step I’ve taken academically has led me to ANU to pursue my career as a high-level economic policymaker.”

Anand mentioned that one of the main reasons he chose Crawford School was its strong focus on practical macroeconomic analysis, comparing economic policies, and its tailored curriculum. This allowed him, as a young government official, to acquire the necessary skills to advance his career in his chosen field.

When speaking to Anand, he highlighted how the program helped him realise the deep interconnection between economic issues and government policy decisions. This understanding is crucial for small and open economies like Mongolia. He mentioned that the government should implement prudent macroeconomic policies to manage potential external risks that could impact the domestic economy.

His newfound insight fuelled a desire to expand his background in economics. He said,”I want to equip myself with academic policy knowledge and public economics skills to look at issues from the monetary perspective and in a holistic approach, including vital issues such as health and overall wellbeing.”

For those considering the degree, Anand notes the coursework at the Crawford School of Public Policy, stating, “I am surprised how each course connects with one another, even on a weekly basis.” He also praises the teaching staff, who are experts in their respective fields, for their support and organisation, which make studying easier for all students.

“I also had an opportunity to learn from high level of economic research skills of Crawford teachers while worked as a research assistant with Dr Larry Weifeng Liu on a CEPAR project during my summer break,” he added.

“Here, you can equip yourself with world-class economics knowledge thanks to world-renowned professors and highly competitive classmates.”

To prospective students considering studying at Crawford, Anand advises planning their semester well in advance to manage the course program and schedules effectively. “Organising your study plan early according to the course calendar can save time and enhance performance. Additionally, developing strong mathematical skills is crucial, as many economics classes utilize advanced math and statistics tools, catering to students from diverse academic backgrounds,” he adds.

After graduation, Anand is looking forward to returning home to Mongolia, where he is currently a senior economist at the Central Bank of Mongolia. He aims to leverage the skills gained through this program to advance to a high-level economic policymaker role within the bank, contributing passionately to the development of a resilient and stable economy in Mongolia alongside his colleagues.

Congratulations on your graduation, Anand! We wish you the very best in your future endeavours and look forward to seeing your continued success in your career.