Banking and Financial Services Group
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David
Senior Associate “…a passionate, high performing, yet supportive culture where you can achieve a lot and have fun while doing so” |
What attracted you to the Banking and Financial Services Group (BFS)?
As I was going through the recruitment process, it became clear that BFS was extremely client centric and would provide me with the opportunity to have meaningful interactions with Macquarie’s clients from a very early stage in my career – an opportunity not afforded by any of the other graduate programs I researched. Another key consideration was that from what I’d heard; working in BFS provided a dynamic, challenging work environment coupled with a sustainable work life balance which I have found to be true.
What does your role entail?
I started as a graduate in Macquarie Relationship Banking (MRB) where I rotated through different areas of the business for around 12 months. Post the rotation program, I have been working in the sales team as a business analyst. My role involves working alongside the Relationship Management Team to assess and manage the risks associated with lending to small to medium sized business clients. This includes preparing credit submissions, attending client meetings and working with internal stakeholders to structure transactions that achieve the client’s goals and manage the Bank’s risk.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I particularly enjoy the fact that my role allows me to deal directly with Macquarie’s clients on transactions that are genuinely important to them. Behind every transaction there are individuals looking to achieve their personal or business goals - whether they are buying a home or investment property, acquiring or divesting a business, phasing into retirement or whatever the case, they rely on Macquarie, and therefore my team and I, to help them along the way which I find personally rewarding.
What is the work culture like?
BFS, and more specifically MRB, has a very positive work culture and it really is demonstrated by everyone from the most senior leaders down to the newest graduate. One of the first things I noticed early on was that everybody seems to genuinely enjoy what they do and the people they are working with. This translates into a passionate, high performing, yet supportive culture where you can achieve a lot and have fun while doing so.
Why did you choose to work at Macquarie?
Macquarie was my preferred employer after I finished university because I wanted to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment and surround myself with highly intelligent and entrepreneurial individuals who would challenge me while still providing the support I needed to progress my career. Macquarie has a reputation for attracting the best and I’ve definitely found that to be the case.
Do you get to give anything back to the community?
Giving back to the community and assisting those less fortunate was an important consideration for me when choosing an employer. The Macquarie Group Foundation is a leader in the philanthropic community and provides unparalleled opportunities for staff to make a positive difference to their local communities. I have been heavily involved with the Graduate Volunteer Network (GVN) which is a platform for graduates to nominate organisations they would like to support and develop their own volunteering or fundraising programme. The GVN is fully autonomous and is well supported by the Foundation who provides expertise, advice and contacts. Working with the GVN gave me opportunities to network with colleagues from different teams as well as the opportunity to form mutually beneficial relationships with a number of not for profit organisations that I support.