Q&A with Aarushi Bansal: how curiosity shaped my career with Macquarie

Before joining Macquarie’s Graduate Programme, Aarushi Bansal was, like many students, curious about where her early interest in economics and problem solving could lead. An application to Macquarie’s Spring Insight Programme quickly revealed a culture and environment where she felt inspired and able to grow.

What inspired you to pursue a career at Macquarie?

I’ve always enjoyed analytical approaches, critical thinking and problem-solving, so when I finished high school and pursued a university degree in Economics, I wanted to explore what a career in finance could offer.

I came across Macquarie during my first year at university and decided to apply for the Spring Insight Programme. It attracts many talented first year students, so being selected felt like a real accomplishment. I loved how it’s designed for exploration and welcomes people with curiosity and a willingness to learn. No prior finance experience was required – but it got me thinking about how I could apply what I was learning at university.

Even though it was only a week, the programme shaped what came next for me – I immediately felt connected with the people and the culture, and I was encouraged to ask questions and explore where I might fit into the organisation. That experience inspired me to apply to the Graduate Programme.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m currently a Credit Risk Associate in the Risk Management Group, specialising in commodities – oils, metals and agricultural products. Our team focuses on assessing the financial strength and ‘creditworthiness’ of the counterparties Macquarie deals with, supporting our Commodities and Global Markets business to make informed decisions, while managing risk.

My day usually involves a mixture of analysis, judgment, and collaboration. I write annual credit papers, analyse financial statements, and monitor trade requests as they arise. I present my recommendations to senior approvers, engage in team discussions, and help ensure that the credit risks we take are aligned with Macquarie’s risk appetite.

How are you staying curious and willing to challenge past practice to help us keep innovating?

One thing I really appreciate at Macquarie is that I have been given significant responsibility early on, but I feel safe to ask questions or challenge something. My team is always open to hearing new ideas or perspectives, which has helped me tap into my creative side: thinking beyond the numbers and looking at problems from different angles.

How do you feel supported and empowered to take on new opportunities and shape your career?

The Macquarie Graduate Programme is structured in a way that encourages reflection and growth. I have formal check ins to discuss my development, and I meet with my manager every couple of weeks to talk about my goals, the skills I'm building, and what I want to explore next. It’s now been six months, and the time has flown by and I’ve learnt so much.

Because of my team’s support, I feel confident putting my hand up for new responsibilities or expressing interest in getting involved in different areas of the business. That’s invaluable as I progress my career here at Macquarie.

What advice would you give to students interested in a career in finance?

The best advice I can give is to talk to people. Speak to your university’s careers teams, attend networking events, and reach out to people in the industry. This worked for me, not least because most of the people I spoke with are more than happy to share their experiences, and those conversations can give you insights you won’t find elsewhere. I didn’t know I wanted to go into credit risk until I joined Macquarie’s Spring Insight Programme and learnt about the different teams – helping me to figure out what they could offer and what I could bring to the role.