Our people
27 January 2026
Stephanie joined the Graduate Program in 2024, having previously completed Macquarie’s Summer Internship Program. Stephanie completed a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce from Monash University and is now a Senior Associate in the Client and Risk Analysis team within Banking and Financial Services.
I was excited to join the Macquarie Graduate Program because of the exceptional experience I had during my internship. It gave me valuable insight into the team, the role, and Macquarie’s culture. Speaking with previous graduates also helped me understand what the program could offer, with their experiences aligning closely with my career aspirations.
Ultimately, I saw Macquarie as a place where I could continuously learn, immerse myself in a supportive culture, and build a strong foundation for my career. Culture was a key factor in my decision, and I found Macquarie naturally supported an environment that fosters collaboration, growth, and inclusivity.
One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on was the Quarterly Update for my national team in Client and Risk Analysis. As a new initiative, it had significant potential, and I was involved in planning the content, designing slides, presenting the update, and gathering feedback to refine future sessions.
Two highlights of the project were taking ownership of the Rewards and Recognition segment and facilitating an interview with the Head of a new team within our ecosystem. The experience allowed me to work closely with senior leaders and apply skills beyond my day-to-day responsibilities. Whilst stepping outside my comfort zone to present to a large audience and liaise with senior stakeholders was initially challenging, it was incredibly rewarding and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
A typical day starts with logging on, checking for any urgent tasks, and planning my priorities. I submit my workflow to my team leader, which often includes tasks like analysing financial statements, assessing business risk, and writing credit memos. Depending on the case, I collaborate with other teams to resolve queries and develop solutions tailored to our clients.
If I encounter challenges, my buddy and team leader are always available to offer guidance.
Beyond the technical work, I enjoy connecting with colleagues over a coffee run or during team discussions, which helps foster a strong sense of collaboration and camaraderie.
Stephanie and her team getting coffee together.
The value that resonates most with me is Opportunity. At Macquarie, opportunity is built into the graduate experience. There are countless ways to get involved beyond your core responsibilities.
My managers have been incredibly supportive, encouraging me to pursue areas of interest and expand my skill set. This has allowed me to learn more about my role within the broader ecosystem, connect with colleagues across divisions, take external courses like First Aid training, and help organise both social and professional events.
Macquarie’s commitment to giving back to the community is something I deeply value. During my first year, I served as an Initiative Lead in the Graduate Volunteer Network, where I worked with like-minded colleagues to organise events that raised awareness and funds for various causes. Macquarie also provides employees with two volunteer days each year to support charities or events of their choice. This has enabled me to continue supporting causes I care about while making a meaningful impact.
Stephanie and her colleagues volunteering.
Coming out of university, many people (including me) are unsure about what a job at a bank could involve. The Macquarie Graduate Program has been instrumental in shaping my career. It provided me with a broad network of colleagues across the business, offering diverse perspectives and opportunities to connect with motivated individuals.
Speaking with past and present graduates from different areas has been eye opening, giving me insight into finance roles I hadn’t previously considered such as marketing, strategy & transformation and business banking originations. This exposure has encouraged me to think about my long-term career goals and explore paths I might want to pursue in the future.
The program’s structure, combined with the network I’ve built, has given me the tools to grow both technically and professionally while shaping a clearer vision for my career.
My advice is to stay open to new opportunities and make the most of what is available. Macquarie offers a wealth of experiences, and putting your hand up for different initiatives can help you learn, grow, and build connections.
Adopting a growth mindset is also key. Be curious, ask questions, and take the time to learn from the friendly, smart and passionate people around you. There is so much to be gained from your co-workers at Macquarie, and all it takes is a couple of questions to walk away with something new.
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