Q&A with Kayla Jackson: Moving with the world at Macquarie

Kayla Jackson’s curiosity and early love for robotics set her on a path toward technology. Now an Associate on Macquarie’s Houston data team, she’s applying that mindset to real data challenges while growing her skills in a supportive and welcoming environment.

What inspired you to pursue a career at Macquarie?

My path to Macquarie started through an unexpected connection during my time with the Bullard Center Environmental Justice Climate Corps at Texas Southern University. I was studying computer science with a minor in mathematics, and I’d always been drawn to technology - from building and programming robots in fifth grade to creating an automated NFT project called Space Punk Bunnies in college. Through the Bullard Center, I met mentors from Macquarie who encouraged me to apply for Macquarie’s Summer Internship Program.

What ultimately inspired me to pursue a career here was how genuinely welcoming and supportive everyone was. As an undergraduate stepping into a corporate environment for the first time, I was nervous about whether I’d find community. But from day one, I did. I immediately felt a sense of belonging. The culture, the openness of leaders, and the belief others had in my potential made me feel like this was a place where I could grow and contribute meaningfully.

What does a typical day look like?

A typical day starts with our 9:00am scrum, where my team shares updates on what we’re working on, discusses any workflow blockers and aligns on priorities. After that, I jump into Visual Studio Code to work on my main project: building and improving data pipelines. It’s hands-on technical work that challenges me to think critically about issues like data gaps or duplications, and how to fix them in a way that addresses the root cause, not just putting a band-aid on it.

Throughout the day, I collaborate with colleagues across the business. I might receive a request from someone on the Business Analytics and Data Automation team to resolve issues with malformed data or reach out to vendors to coordinate data feed changes.  I also attend cross-functional meetings and join real-time problem-solving sessions, which keeps every day dynamic. Even though I’m early in my career, I’m entrusted with meaningful responsibilities and my team is incredibly responsive and supportive whenever I run into challenges.

How are you encouraged to invest in yourself? 

My manager, Sirisha, does an amazing job making sure I feel supported. She schedules bi-weekly one-on-one check-ins to talk through what I’m learning, any challenges I’m facing, and opportunities to grow. My wider leadership team is just as involved. They’re always connecting me with people who can help deepen my skills or give me exposure to new parts of the business.

Macquarie offers so many ways to keep learning. I participate in quarterly technology sessions where we deep-dive into different tools and processes, particularly around data pipelines. I’ve also received AWS training and can work toward certifications. All these resources make it clear that my growth isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected and supported.

How do you connect with others at Macquarie?

One of my favorite parts of working here is how many opportunities there are to meet people outside your direct team. I attend events across several employee network groups (ENGs), including Women at Macquarie, Black Employees at Macquarie, and the Pride ENG. Macquarie ENGs are inclusive communities open to all employees. All are welcome to participate. These groups make the office feel much more connected and I always walk away having met someone new or learned something about another part of the business.

What's possible for your future?

I see so much room to grow here. In the near term, I’d love to take on more responsibility designing and managing entire data pipelines independently. Every day I’m gaining confidence and know that as I continue to build my skills, those opportunities will come.

I’m also excited about potential opportunities to travel whether that’s attending a conference or spending time in one of our international offices. Our London office, especially, is a major hub for data work and experiencing that firsthand would be amazing. Long term, I see a path toward building deep expertise in my area, taking on larger projects, and progressing beyond my current level as this space continues to evolve.

What advice would you have for students looking to pursue a career in finance?

Think beyond the traditional tech path. You don’t have to join a big-name tech company to build a meaningful, impactful career. Every industry, including finance, needs technologists to innovate and solve real problems. Choosing finance was more than a possibility for me; it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

I’d also encourage students to research the skills the industry is looking for right now. While I’m learning a lot on the job, I wish I’d had a better understanding of industry standards before I started it would have made the transition smoother. Keep learning outside the classroom, stay curious, and don’t limit yourself to one version of success.