From day one on the Graduate Program I was given a lot of responsibility. I’ve been exposed to everything from funds management and capital raising to deal execution (such as acquiring avocado farms).
I studied a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Finance) and a Bachelor of Laws, and was placed in the agriculture team within Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets, a division of Macquarie Asset Management.
What I do depends on the project my team is working on, which means that my days are quite diverse. For example, one day I might be building an acquisition model and the next I might be analysing due diligence reports. I am also involved with investor engagement which entails commercial and legal diligence as part of the journey to bring investors into a fund.
During the Graduate Program, I was the lead analyst for avocado farm asset acquisitions. That was exciting and a great learning opportunity to see a deal through from start to end. As part of the asset diligence process, I got to visit a couple of avocado farms – and take a few avocados home! My role in this project helped build up some of the core skills an analyst needs: preparing presentations, financial modelling and the ability to engage with stakeholders.
I really enjoy the team I work in. It has a flat structure and I’m surrounded by people who constantly support and motivate me, challenge my ideas and encourage me to think laterally.
The Graduate Program has also exposed me to activities outside of my immediate team. Through the Graduate Volunteer Network, I did some volunteer work with Youth Off The Streets, preparing and cooking donated food, and then distributing it to people in need. It was a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community, and an experience that I really enjoyed.