For Ljin Bartolo, combining technology and finance was the perfect way to challenge himself and make an impact. After graduating in Computer Science, he joined Macquarie’s Tech Select graduate program to explore diverse roles and develop new skills. Now working in the Exchange Connectivity team, Ljin shares how his journey from quality assurance to development has been shaped by continuous learning, collaboration across global teams, and a culture that empowers employees to innovate and grow.
What inspired you to pursue a career in tech at Macquarie?
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science gave me a strong foundation in technology and problem solving. My interest in the finance sector grew as I saw how technology is transforming the industry – enabling smarter investments and more innovative solutions for clients.
I first learned about Macquarie through conversations with my sister, who used to work here for over a decade. This sparked my curiosity about the company’s culture and opportunities. What drew me in was how Macquarie invests in its people’s development and supports them to enhance their skills and shape their own career paths while exploring areas where they can make the most impact. That flexibility, combined with a culture of innovation, gave me the confident that Macquarie would be the right place to grow and contribute to meaningful projects.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I recently transitioned from role in quality assurance to a development-focused position within the Exchange Connectivity team. My day involves building solutions that ensure seamless connectivity between our systems and the exchange, while coordinating with vendors on the products we use.
One unique aspect of my role is collaborating with the Quality Assurance team here in Manila while my fellow developers are based in Sydney. This setup requires strong communication and coordination to deliver a high-quality product. My experience in quality assurance remains valuable as I apply my knowledge of trading flows in this new role.
By maintaining reliable and efficient connectivity, we enable a smooth trading experience for clients. Even minor disruptions can have major consequences, so our work directly supports stability and gives clients confidence in the technology behind their trading tools.
How does Macquarie invest in your career? How are you encouraged to invest in yourself?
I joined Macquarie through the Tech Select graduate program, which gave me the chance to explore different roles and find the one that best matched my skills and interests. Macquarie invests in my career through workshops and seminars focused on communication and professional development, as well as technical training resources. For example, I’ve taken structured Amazon Web Services training sessions and weekly learning opportunities that helped me build the skills to pass the Cloud Practitioner exam.
My managers have been generous with their time, offering guidance and feedback whenever needed – support that’s been invaluable for my growth. The culture here is incredibly supportive, with people actively encouraging participation in events and learning initiatives, creating opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.
In what ways do we have an inclusive culture and how do we continue to shape a workforce that is increasingly reflective of all aspects of diversity?
Macquarie fosters an inclusive culture by encouraging collaboration across different locations and roles. Working closely with the Quality Assurance team in Manila and developers based in Sydney makes communication essential to ensure everyone’s ideas are heard and valued. Open dialogue helps us consider different perspectives and bring in fresh ideas, often leading to better solutions and innovative approaches to challenges.