Our people
27 March 2026
Lily Couper joined the Graduate Program in 2024, after completing the Summer Internship Program the year prior. She holds a double degree from the University of Sydney in Engineering and Arts. Lily is a now an Analyst for the Operational Risk Division in our Risk Management Group (RMG).
Having also previously completed the Summer Internship Program, Adam Percival also joined the Graduate Program in 2024. He has a bachelor’s degree in Economics from The University of Sydney and is now an Analyst in the RMG Central Division within the Risk Management Group.
Lily and Adam share their experiences in pursuing a career in Risk Management through Macquarie’s Graduate Program and how the program has supported them to grow their careers.
Lily: I chose the Macquarie Graduate Program after completing the Macquarie Summer Internship, which gave me a valuable opportunity to experience the organisation firsthand. During the internship, I gained a clear understanding of the breadth of opportunities available and was impressed by the supportive culture.
I particularly enjoy working in Operational Risk because it allows me to collaborate with teams across Macquarie on a variety of projects. It’s a dynamic role that provides a unique lens into just how diverse the organisation is!
Lily: I recently worked on the risk assessment for a major upgrade coming to Macquarie’s banking app. It was interesting to collaborate with our retail bank to identify potential vulnerabilities or pain points that may be introduced by the change. We reviewed the identified risks and mitigation strategies to ensure we continue to provide a safe and useful product for our customers. I’m excited to see this change deployed, as I believe it’ll be impactful for the users of our app.
Adam: Part of what I enjoy about my work is that every day feels different. Typically, I’ll be able to talk to a wide variety of people, working to assist them with successfully progressing, governing and reporting on major projects. This could involve spending the morning reviewing the preparatory work of a regulatory project alongside the project team, before they begin implementing changes to the business. After lunch, I might be working to build a monthly report of the projects in Macquarie’s Risk Management Group, running a workshop to bring together ideas from Macquarie analysts, or sitting in on a meeting between directors to gain insights our team can use to improve our processes.
Adam: Macquarie provides plenty of opportunities to pursue personal interests both at work and outside of it. For those who enjoy social sports there are numerous teams to join that play during lunch, and newcomers are always warmly welcomed. If sports aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other clubs to explore, from Photography to Foodies and more. Macquarie even supports you to participate in volunteering activities, which I’ve found a lot of enjoyment in.
Outside of work, Macquarie’s emphasis on work-life balance has allowed me to continue enjoying all the hobbies and activities I loved during university. This support has made it easier to maintain a fulfilling personal life while thriving as a full-time employee.
Adam with work colleagues volunteering at a charity kitchen.
Adam: Ownership, accountability and curiosity. These values apply not only to your work but also to your decisions and career. At Macquarie, you’re encouraged to take ownership of your work and be accountable for the decisions you make. While this might feel daunting at first, it also empowers you to shape your career and take an active role in determining its direction. From the start, you’re given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and have a say in how your career evolves.
Lily: Macquarie’s culture is defined by its commitment to fostering a ‘speak up’ environment. From day one, my questions and contributions have been genuinely valued. Both my team and the broader Macquarie community create an environment where everyone’s input is welcomed and respected. There’s no such thing as a ‘silly question’. Questions are seen as opportunities to learn or to identify areas where concepts need to be clarified. In fact, some of the most insightful discussions often stem from questions that challenge assumptions, regardless of whether they come from someone with two weeks or 20 years of experience.
Lily: The Macquarie Graduate Program provided a strong foundation for my professional development. The support offered by the Early Careers team and the Capability and Development team was invaluable, with sessions on topics like goal setting, time management, and effective communication. These skills are crucial when transitioning from university to a professional environment.
While technical knowledge is often not an issue for graduates, navigating soft skills and workplace dynamics can be a bit difficult. The program helped bridge this gap and provided a supportive community I could draw on when I needed it. Staying connected with my graduate cohort has been particularly valuable; it’s helpful to realise that we’re truly ‘all in this together’.
Adam: Say yes to the opportunities that come your way. Throughout your Graduate year, your career, and even your life, countless opportunities will present themselves – but they only become valuable if you embrace them. The more you lean into these opportunities, the faster you’ll build the relationships, connections, and pathways that will help you thrive both personally and professionally.
