Why LGBT+ Graduates Should Join Macquarie

Jake Robson, Senior Manager in the Risk Management Group, shares his top 10 reasons why LGBT+ graduates should apply to Macquarie.

1. You’ll have a rewarding and challenging career: In addition to offering a rewarding and challenging career where graduates get to work on interesting projects across a variety of sectors and geographies, we also have a supportive and diverse environment for LGBT+ graduates to thrive in. Macquarie’s flat structure, interesting work and support that is offered to develop your career means it’s a great place for graduates starting out in the workforce (or for anyone joining at any stage in their career).

2. We’re committed to inclusion and diversity: We have an ongoing commitment to inclusion and diversity. Macquarie's range of experiences, skills and views are key strengths and critical to the wide range of services the Group delivers across the globe as well as understanding the communities in which we operate.

3. You can bring your whole self: Being able to bring your entire, authentic self to work as well as establishing meaningful and impactful relationships is essential to wellbeing and balance. Part of the role of Pride at Macquarie, our employee network group for LGBT+ employees and allies, is just that: make sure members feel part of a wider network which provides support beyond their immediate team.

4. We give back to the community: Being part of the LGBT+ community, most of us had a degree of struggle coming to terms with who we are. Many of us were fortunate to have help along the way; however, some of us did not. Working at Macquarie, there are many opportunities to help those that are currently going through that journey both within the organisation and outside. We organise and participate in a number of initiatives such as helping with fundraising for charities, running mentoring programmes and raising awareness.

5. We extend the reach of our impact: We work closely with external employer forums, not-for-profit organisations, diversity suppliers and internal Macquarie teams to help extend the reach of our impact. Employees are also active speakers at university careers fairs and student-focused industry events.

6. We’re forward-thinking: We think of new initiatives that will help support LGBT+ individuals both inside Macquarie and outside. An example of a recent initiative was hosting the industry’s first Insight Day for LGBT+ candidates and allies in London. The event attracted students from five countries and allowed them to learn more about Macquarie while participating in real world case studies and learning from industry leaders.

7. We have strong support from our senior leaders and Executive Committee: Diversity is supported and encouraged across the organisation, from the most senior leaders.

8. We host a variety of networking events: Through our network, we organise a range of internal and external social events such as regular networking, Christmas events, summer BBQs and awareness-raising activities (we love a ping pong competition!). These events bring together people across the organisation from all groups and levels of seniority, and provide an opportunity for both personal and professional growth.

9. We’re a leading employee network group in the UK: Our Pride at Macquarie employee network group is recognised as one of the leading employee groups in the UK (including winning Pink News’ Business Equality Award in 2018!) We were also recognised as a Stonewall Top 100 Employer in 2018.

10. You’ll join a broad range of programmes: In addition to our Pride programmes and networking group, you’ll have access to a broad range of learning, development and networking opportunities including our Graduate Development Programme, Graduate Volunteering Network, mentoring and other employee network groups.