Q&A with Tharun Velishala: Exploring real-world impact as a Macquarie Graduate

Tharun Velishala joined Macquarie as a Graduate in 2023 and is an Analyst in Macquarie Capital’s Consumer, Gaming & Leisure team. Tharun’s team provides advisory services to leading domestic and international companies in the gaming space, and he enjoys seeing the ways his work impacts the global entertainment landscape.

What inspired you to pursue a career in finance at Macquarie?

My interest in finance began at university, where I was introduced to international affairs and business. The opportunity to be exposed to a diverse set of perspectives is why I sought to work at a financial services company with a global presence.

Macquarie’s footprint across 34 markets, its 30 plus years in the United States, and its purpose of “empowering people to innovate and invest for a better future” solidified my decision to begin my career here. 

What does a typical day look like for you? 

One of the aspects I love most about working at Macquarie is the variety of experiences and tasks each day brings. I am able to work with a range of clients, projects, and market variables, all within the consumer, gaming and leisure sectors. While based in New York, my role often involves international transactions with Macquarie Capital teams and clients.

My team in Consumer, Gaming and Leisure is just one of several coverage areas within Macquarie Capital. Our division provides advisory and capital raising services to a wide range of clients, including both corporates and governments. Macquarie Capital is involved in everything from mergers and acquisitions (M&A), to debt, equity fund raising and corporate restructuring. We also engage in principal investing activities globally to support our client’s activities.

My day typically begins by connecting with colleagues and clients to align on the workstreams for various transactions. The collaborative team model allows me to be involved in every phase of a transaction, which helps accelerate my learning. I enjoy the challenges the role brings, and I value the opportunity to actively contribute to the team. 

How does Macquarie invest in your career? How are you encouraged to invest in yourself? 

I am in a client-facing role, so I have to stay informed on industry trends in order to provide the best advisory services possible. I make it a priority to track developments in the gaming industry across markets - from Tokyo to Monaco, San Juan to Barcelona. These insights allow me to gain a broader understanding of what constitutes success in the gaming industry, which I then apply to my work.

Macquarie’s global reach offers the advantage of connecting with colleagues in other countries and learning from their local expertise. This collaboration deepens my understanding of the industry and keeps me well-informed on how our transactions impact our clients on a global scale.

What’s possible for your career at Macquarie?

Macquarie offers exposure to dynamic business sectors, providing graduates with the opportunity to develop the understanding needed to navigate the nuances of diverse cultural and economic landscapes.

This exposure has been rewarding, as it highlights how local macroeconomic trends, such as consumer spending behaviour, directly influence a company’s performance. This experience has been incredibly helpful in strengthening my understanding of broader business structures and economies. 

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

My advice to students would be to network with industry professionals and university alumni. It’s important to engage in meaningful conversations and maintain an open-minded approach to the various types of roles in finance.