Our people
27 March 2026
Anna Coldham-Fussell joined the Macquarie Graduate Program in 2025, having previously completed the Summer Internship Program. She completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Advanced Finance and Economics from The University of Queensland. Anna is now an Analyst in the Industrials team within Macquarie Capital and is based in Sydney.
Lachlan Reedy joined the Graduate Program in 2024, having completed a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce from the University of Western Australia. Lachlan is now an Analyst in the Critical Minerals and Energy team within Macquarie Capital and is based in Perth.
Lachlan and Anna discuss their experiences through Macquarie Capital’s Graduate Program and share their tips for success.
Anna: After completing a three-month Summer Internship with the Industrials team in Sydney in 2023-2024, I was excited to accept an offer to join Macquarie Capital’s Graduate Program with the same team in 2025.
I was initially drawn to Macquarie because of its reputation as a global leader in financial services, but it was the people I met during my internship interview process who truly made the difference. Everyone was professional, welcoming and encouraging - it left a strong impression on me. That impression only grew stronger during my internship, where I experienced firsthand how supportive and inspiring the team is.
Lachlan: I was drawn to Macquarie’s market‑leading position in mergers and acquisitions advisory in ANZ and its role in two of the most important structural shifts of our time: the energy transition and digitalisation.
Since joining, it has been impressive to learn about the diversity of businesses across the group, and it is equally inspiring to meet colleagues who have built impactful careers at Macquarie, often having worked across many areas of the organisation.
Anna: Recently, I was part of the deal team for a sell-side process, where I played an active role in supporting a client through a potential divestment.
My role was hands-on and diverse. I participated in client calls, attended a site visit and management presentation, and interacted with a potential bidder. I gained valuable insights into the client’s business and its operations, and it helped develop my communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
I took on key responsibilities, such as preparing marketing materials, assisting with the vendor model and managing the Q&A process. These tasks challenged me to think critically, work collaboratively and manage multiple priorities, all while contributing to a complex deal.
Lachlan: One of the highlights of my career so far was my role on the team that advised Latin Resources on its sale to PLS.
Latin Resources’ primary asset was a lithium project in Brazil which, once developed, will provide PLS with a platform to supply lithium to the emerging electric vehicle markets in North America and Europe. This transaction created a larger lithium miner, mitigating the project’s funding and development risk and enhanced its ability to support the clean energy transition.
This was a fantastic learning opportunity as a first-year analyst and extremely rewarding to contribute to such a meaningful transaction.
Lachlan: While every day is different, the core responsibilities of an analyst include financial modelling, preparing presentations, and conducting research and analysis to inform our advice.
You will typically be working on multiple transactions at various stages. When you are not working on live transactions, you are helping to provide sector insights and advice to guide clients in making well‑informed decisions.
The work at Macquarie is dynamic and you’re always learning, which makes the experience both engaging and rewarding.
Anna: Macquarie’s purpose, “Empowering people to innovate and invest for a better future”, is something I see in action every day. Excellence and innovation are encouraged and supported. It’s exciting to be part of a team that consistently delivers at such a high level. Collaboration is central to this, and the support I’ve received has been instrumental in bridging the gap between university and my role on live deals.
The formal Buddy and Mentor Program was a great starting point, but what really stands out is the inclusive culture and how everyone is encouraged to speak up and share our perspective. From day one, I felt welcomed and supported, and the team made a genuine effort to ensure I was involved and learning.
Anna: Macquarie’s commitment to work-life balance has been clear, I’ve been encouraged to make time for my hobbies, like horse riding. My team is incredibly supportive, and we help one another to ensure everyone can pursue their interests outside of work. We also have a group of analysts and associates who go for regular runs together during the week. It’s a great way to stay active, recharge and connect with colleagues across the floor in a more informal setting.
Anna with a group of her colleagues on a run at Sydney Harbour.
Lachlan: The Graduate Program began with three weeks of training at Macquarie’s Global Headquarters in Sydney, alongside the other Macquarie Capital graduates. This included technical training, learning about the company’s strategy and hearing from senior leaders across the organisation. There was also a strong social element, including volunteering days, which helped me build a network and form friendships with colleagues from other offices and teams. The training program was an invaluable introduction to the role that allowed me to hit the ground running when I joined my team. While the first year was a steep learning curve, the depth of skills I developed and the breadth of knowledge I gained was incredible.
Lachlan with two colleagues volunteering at Ozharvest charity kitchen during his graduate training in Sydney. Photo taken by Flashpoint Labs.
Anna: While technical skills are important, don’t underestimate the value of communication and relationship-building. Developing your personal brand and forging genuine connections will set you apart.
At Macquarie, I’ve been encouraged to build my own network, from interacting with clients and advisers, to forming strong bonds with my cohort and team. These relationships have been uplifting, not only for my professional development but also for personal support as I navigate my graduate year.
Lachlan: Stay informed about global markets and the sectors that interest you. Commercial awareness is underemphasised at university, but it becomes incredibly valuable when you step into a market‑facing role. Building that foundation early puts you ahead of the curve.
