“I recently had a LinkedIn audit call with Arnau as part of my WSO Academy program, and it was one of the most practical and useful sessions I've had so far. I came in thinking my profile was in decent shape. I left with a clear picture of how recruiters and bankers actually see it, and a concrete list of changes that will make it work much harder for me.
Some background: I'm moving from corporate finance into investment banking, corporate banking, and private equity. I have an MBA in Corporate Finance, a PMP, and several years of finance and project management experience. Making that kind of move depends heavily on how you present your story, and LinkedIn is often the first place a recruiter or analyst sees it. That's why this session mattered so much to me.
From the first few minutes, Arnau was well prepared, direct, and focused on what actually moves the needle. He didn't just give generic tips like "add a professional photo." He went through my profile section by section and explained why each piece matters to someone in finance who's quickly scanning candidates. His feedback was honest without being discouraging, which I really appreciated. He pointed out where my profile was underselling my experience and where it wasn't clearly showing that I'm aiming for banking and PE.
What stood out most was how he helped me think about positioning. My background covers corporate finance, project management, hospitality, and real estate, and it can be hard to make that read as one clear story. Arnau helped me connect those experiences to the skills banks look for: financial analysis, modeling, managing budgets and capital, and working with senior stakeholders. He showed me how small changes to my headline, About section, and experience bullets can make that story obvious within seconds.
The session was also very actionable. I didn't leave with vague ideas. I left with a short list of specific edits I can make right away. That matters a lot when you're job hunting and every week counts. He also shared advice on using LinkedIn more actively, such as engaging with the right people and content, so the profile supports my networking instead of just sitting there.
I also want to recognize the overall WSO Academy experience. Between the modeling bootcamp, the company research work, the mentorship, and sessions like this one, the program has given me structure and support during a career transition that can otherwise feel isolating. This call was a good example of what makes WSO different: the people coaching you understand the industry you're trying to break into and give feedback that reflects how hiring really works.
If you're a WSO member and haven't booked a LinkedIn audit yet, I'd strongly recommend it. It's a short time commitment, and the return is significant. Your LinkedIn profile is often your first impression, and having an experienced set of eyes on it is worth it.
Thank you, Arnau, for your time, honesty, and practical guidance. I'm excited to put the changes in place and keep building toward my goal of breaking into investment banking.”
Pretty sure they don’t have an M&A team. Is it a coverage group? Think they do all M&A in house
Good to know.
Broad overview of Macquarie (MacCap analyst here):
Yes, Macquarie is a reputable firm. More well-known globally than in the U.S. which is why you see them so high on the league tables. They are global leaders in infrastructure advisory. In the U.S., most comparable to BMO, Lincoln, Raymond James, Nomura. If you're looking to get a step-up from the boutique space it's a great option.
Above commenter is correct that there isn't an M&A product group, all M&A is conducted within coverage groups. Culture is good I would say. Base is in line with street, bonuses have historically been lower but not abysmally so (highly likely that this will continue to be the norm).
Outside of Infrastructure, some of the advisory groups are Industrials (very meh), Software and Services (top of the street for Education/EdTech), Gaming (good, based out of CA). Also, MacCap is unique in that there's a large principal investing arm that sits within MacCap as basically an internal buyside role co-investing alongside clients into deals via preferred equity - you won't find that at many other banks.
Edit: oh and one more perk: we're basically fully remote (going in is entirely optional) if that's your thing.
Thanks for the detailed response.
There are actually a decent amount of banks (including most BBs) that have principal investing arms. IDK about MacCap but in my experience / discussions many of these arms significantly underpay vs. IBD and PE without materially better culture / hours.
What is the meal allowance for Analysts and SAs at MacCap? Can you guys still expense meals if fully wfh and does SA get all these perks?
$25/night WFH 4 nights per week if working later than 9PM and extra $15 past 11PM. Weekends $25 before 2PM and another $25 after 2PM.
Hey wondering if you might still be active. I'm Australian but currently attending a semi-target in the US, looking to work back in australia. might u know if macquarie supports/any incidences of relocating from US to AU, either from intern to return or within first 2 years of employment?
I'm an incoming intern and it seems like relocating is super common. They tend to hire few people but really focus on retaining talent, tons of senior people that I met with had relocated multiple times.
anyone know the days in office expectations for 2026?
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Organization designed to line Silvo and the rest of Macquarie leaderships’ pockets. I don’t know what your definition of abysmal pay is but I would beg to disagree, especially when you factor how much equity is retained that kicks in at a low level on relatively lower bonuses.
The equity part is so delusion ally bad. Im sure if bonuses are low after a record breaking yr they will bleed
In the UK they’re very strong in the infra/commodities/clean tech space, and do a lot of principal investing, although MIRA > MacCap with the exception of GIG. Previously interned there, not joining FT, but know a few people who’ve taken them over Goldman IBD (x2) and EBs. Hours and culture are very good: with the exception of their generalist ‘everything else’ coverage group most people are out before 9pm, with minimal weekend work. It’s not a bad place at all and in Europe has very good infra/energy PE exits. Reputation is equivalent to bottom BB / upper MM outside of those two fields in the UK, although much stronger in Australia if that’s of interest. General impression is brand is weaker in the US but they are rapidly expanding there.
MacCap over GS…?
Hard to believe, but yes. One in MacCap who interned there over the summer and culture swayed it (UK), one in SAF who interned at GS over the summer (Australia - less hard to believe). Other examples include taking it over Rothschild, Lazard, and Morgan Stanley. Would say around a third to half of interns in the London office had BB/EB offers and chose it over them, fwiw.
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