Our people
06 March 2026
Ava joined the Graduate Program in 2024, having previously completed Macquarie’s Summer Internship Program. Ava completed a Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Civil Engineering) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) at the University of Sydney and is now a Business Analyst in the Client Solutions Group of Macquarie Asset Management.
After nearly three years at an engineering firm while studying Civil Engineering and Commerce, I decided to explore the finance side of my degree, and Macquarie stood out as the best place to do so. As an Australian business with a global presence, it offered the chance to work on large-scale, diverse projects. Macquarie Asset Management (MAM), as one of the world’s leading infrastructure investment managers, felt like an especially exciting part of the business to work in, and would provide me with exposure to various asset classes, investment strategies and markets. During my research, I discovered Macquarie’s “Discover Her Career” program, which allowed me to hear directly from recent graduates and senior female leaders across Macquarie’s business groups. It was inspiring to see so many women in leadership roles - making key decisions and shaping the business and its culture. Everyone was approachable, genuine and generous with sharing their experiences. This supportive and friendly culture was a major drawcard for me.
One of the key projects I worked on was contributing to a comprehensive due diligence process for an investor considering a commitment to our global renewables fund. This involved close collaboration with multiple MAM teams in London, including portfolio strategy, investment, legal, sustainability, and tax.
Throughout the process, we maintained close and continuous communication with the client. This involved a high level of engagement, addressing their questions promptly and providing clear, detailed explanations of the fund’s strategy and portfolio assets. It was a great opportunity to gain insight into how our clients approach investment decisions – what their key priorities are and what they value most – helping me better understand the client perspective. I also had exposure to senior leaders driving the fund’s strategy and asset directors overseeing each portfolio company.
Every day is different, which is part of what makes the role so exciting. Depending on the day, I could be creating fund or asset materials, coordinating with investment teams or relationship managers on capital raising, or preparing for and attending client meetings. A key part of my role is managing the investor due diligence process - answering questions, facilitating knowledge-sharing sessions, and ensuring a positive experience for our clients. We also attend industry conferences and client events, which are great opportunities for relationship building and understanding what our clients are focused on.
Working on regional and global funds across infrastructure, green investments, and agriculture means I regularly collaborate with colleagues in London, Singapore, Korea, Japan, and the US. This global engagement is a real highlight of the role - it gives me the chance to understand the business more broadly and see how different teams operate and engage with their clients.
What I enjoy most is the constant learning. Our Real Assets platform spans a wide range of sectors and businesses operating in different global markets. This provides endless opportunities to broaden my knowledge, working alongside talented and supportive people.
Macquarie’s culture is defined by its entrepreneurial spirit, which empowers individuals to take ownership of their work and think creatively about solutions.
I was told about Macquarie’s flat structure before I joined, and I’ve seen it firsthand, sitting a desk away from the head of my team. This environment encourages open communication across all levels and creates an organisation where everyone can contribute meaningfully.
I’ve also experienced how Macquarie’s fiduciary responsibility is central to its culture. As stewards of influential capital, we are committed to managing it in a way that not only delivers for our clients but also drives positive outcomes for communities.
Macquarie fosters a healthy work-life balance and provides flexibility for personal commitments. Many of us value an active lifestyle - I like to exercise before work or swim during summer.
We also receive two volunteer days each year to support causes we care about. These are a great way to support our communities while connecting with colleagues in a different setting and learning more about each other’s interests outside of work.
Beyond that, there are opportunities to connect socially and professionally through various committees, team events and social activities, including the opportunity to attend conferences, which makes it easy to build relationships outside of day-to-day work.
Ava Starkey with two Macquarie colleagues volunteering at at charity clean-up day.
The manager and buddy system was particularly helpful. Regular catch-ups with my manager provided guidance on my development, while my buddy was available to answer day-to-day questions, making the transition smoother.
The program began with two weeks of training, including an introduction to MAM and technical sessions. Throughout the year, there were additional workshops to support personal and professional development and to help build connections within the graduate cohort.
My advice is to embrace every opportunity to learn and try new things, even if they feel challenging. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek feedback from your manager or team.
Be friendly and get to know people across the floor and in different teams. These connections make your day-to-day experience more enjoyable and can be helpful when you need information, resources or general insights and advice you might not have known about otherwise.
Make an effort to connect with other graduates. The friendships I’ve built at Macquarie are incredibly valuable as a support system, and it’s been so rewarding to share in my friends’ journeys and celebrate their successes along the way.
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