Q&A with Gordon Wong: Discovering career possibilities through Macquarie’s Singapore Student Ambassador Program

Gordon Wong joined the Singapore Student Ambassador Program in 2022. After completing his Summer Internship with us as part of the program, he is now an Analyst for the Fixed Income and Currencies division in Macquarie’s Commodities and Global Markets group.

What inspired you to pursue a career in finance at Macquarie?

My deep-seated interest in the complexities of finance and its pivotal role in shaping economies and businesses has always driven me. Throughout my academic journey, I developed a strong analytical mindset and a keen understanding of financial markets, which naturally guided me toward this field.

I first learned about Macquarie's Singapore Student Ambassador Program through my university, recognising it as a great opportunity. The program offered a series of events and activities that helped me grow my skills and network prior to joining. This experience provided valuable insights into Macquarie’s business groups and the various career possibilities available within financial services.

How does Macquarie invest in your career? How are you encouraged to invest in yourself? 

It has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Through events and networking with my peers and our senior leaders, I found inspiration in their stories and learned about the exciting projects they were involved in. This exposure broadened my perspective, and demonstrated how my skills and interests align with the career opportunities at Macquarie.

As part of the program, I secured a Summer Internship placement. From day one, I had access to a comprehensive range of programs and resources, including formal training sessions, industry-leading research, workshops, and seminars. These opportunities have significantly enhanced my technical and analytical skills.

As an intern or graduate, you get the opportunity to work alongside industry experts, gaining invaluable insights into the finance sector within a collaborative and inclusive environment. The support, mentorship and opportunities for advancement have enabled me to excel in my role and contribute meaningfully to the business. 

What does a typical day look like for you? 

As a salesperson on the trading floor, no two days are the same. The fast-paced environment keeps me on my toes and fully engaged with my work.

At Macquarie, the Fixed Income and Currencies division collaborates with a diverse set of clients to provide bespoke interest rate solutions across multiple currencies. This allows me to engage in a wide range of projects, from quoting prices and structuring solutions for our clients, to working with our digital trading platform, and more.

Being part of a global business also gives me the opportunity to work closely with team members based in other locations on cross-functional projects and ensure round-the-clock client coverage.

How would you describe your peers? What do you value about working as part of our team? 

It’s exciting to work with so many experts in their respective fields. I find it incredibly rewarding to work with such a diverse group of people who bring varied perspectives.

I also appreciate the flat structure and the bottom-up culture, where everyone's ideas are valued, and there are plenty of opportunities to take ownership of your ideas and drive them to success.

My supportive manager and colleagues are all playing a crucial role in both my personal and professional growth. Their willingness to mentor and provide ongoing guidance through my work is invaluable to my career journey.

What advice do you have for students looking to pursue a career in finance?

Always be curious. There are many roles within financial services, so exploring as much as possible is key to finding what truly resonates with you. As students, it is the best time to discover all the nuances to the different roles available, so be sure to seize every opportunity that comes your way.