Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities
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Georgie
Analyst The culture is lively and vibrant, people are friendly and helpful. |
Did you know what you wanted to do at the end of your studies?
During my studies, I didn’t know what direction I wanted to head in. Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities sounded like an exciting place to be so I took a summer internship in the Energy Markets Division (EMD). It was a brilliant experience, and I was fortunate to be offered a full time graduate role at the end of my internship.
What does your role entail?
My role is to design hedging solutions for producers and consumers of oil and natural gas. I liaise with clients to determine their needs, risk profile and production/consumption schedule in order to tailor hedging products to their needs. I also make prices for clients to execute structures in international energy markets.
What do you consider to be your most notable achievement so far?
I suggested that we might target a certain client to hedge a large fuel exposure associated with a future project. My idea was taken into account and the client was marketed within a few months. It was a great feeling.
What type of training and development have you undertaken thus far?
I have completed my Australian Financial Markets Association (AFMA) accreditation allowing me to work directly with the wholesale clients that we deal with. I am continuing to learn new skills everyday as I am surrounded by knowledgeable and very experienced co-workers: not just my immediate team, but others on the floor are always keen to offer assistance or advice where needed.
What level of responsibility are you given as a graduate?
I have been given a good level of responsibility which is empowering. From quite early on I was speaking to clients, which I take very seriously as I am not only representing myself, but also the business and Macquarie.
What is it like working on the trading floor?
It’s a very busy place – there’s plenty of noise and action all day – but that’s all a part of the fun.
What is the work culture like?
The culture is lively and vibrant, people are friendly and helpful. It’s definitely a meritocracy – it is clear that hard workers are rewarded, not necessarily those who have been here longest.
What are you career plans for the future?
I would love to travel one day. I know there are so many opportunities for me to work overseas for my business. I am really enjoying my work in EMD and am excited to be part of a growing business.
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Tom
Analyst "FICC has a very innovative and entrepreneurial environment." |
What enticed you to apply to Macquarie?
Macquarie's reputation as a market leader in Australia. During my Summer Internship here, I realised that Macquarie is the ideal environment to begin a career in Finance.
What type of work do you do?
I work on the structured financing desk which involves researching mining companies, financial modelling and designing and pricing hedging structures. I am part of a small team so I get to see all aspects of our business, which is exciting and provides endless opportunities to learn!
How would you describe the environment?
Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities (FICC) has a very innovative and entrepreneurial environment. I think people who are self-starters, curious and intelligent thrive here.
What's it like to work on the trading floor?
The trading floor is fantastically loud and busy and you feel as though you are right in the middle of the action! It's a great place to work because you get exposure to many of the different businesses within FICC.
What drives you?
There are endless opportunities in FICC, from structuring gold hedges, broking space on freight liners for sugar producers or building trading platforms for debt derivatives! The desire to learn more and do a great job are my drivers.
