Ryan Clark

When contemplating which degree to take at university, Waikato Management School’s solid international reputation was what really stood out for Ryan Clark.

The former Matamata College head boy says he chose the Bachelor of Business Analysis because the three-year degree was designed with significant input from the finance, economics and accounting industries, which makes it hugely relevant when you enter the professional world.

Ryan felt this ensured that he was studying relevant and current material which he can apply in his working life.

Ryan completed his degree majoring in Finance, with a specialisation in Portfolios & Investment. He followed that with an honours postgraduate year, which included writing a research dissertation about the effects of the Dow Jones on the New Zealand share market.

When talking about his experience at Waikato, Ryan says he found “the opportunity to build strong relationships with your peers, tutors, and lecturers stood out.”

A recipient of the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship for academic, leadership and sporting excellence, during his time at university Ryan played for the Waikato men’s volleyball team, and coached the university’s volleyball team. He also played First XV rugby union and touch rugby, attending the 2008 touch nationals.

Being part of the Sir Edmund Hillary program is an experience he is very grateful for, and will never forget.

After completing his honours year, Ryan was offered a graduate role at EY in Auckland, in the area of management consulting. Working for one of the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms is a great way to gain exposure to high-profile business transactions locally and globally, he says.

Later on, his job became more focused on providing financial advice to people involved in major infrastructure projects in the Auckland region, which involved a lot of financial modelling and affordability analysis.

In 2015, Ryan moved to Australia to start a new role as an analyst at The Macquarie Group in Melbourne.

He then relocated to the United States in 2019 to work at the company's New York office - one of the world's key financial centres  - and has since been promoted to the role of Vice-President (Healthcare Coverage).

When it comes to offering advice to students at Waikato, Ryan stresses the importance of networking with your fellow classmates. "It's amazing how many of them you will come across when you enter your professional life. Make contacts, network, and build these relationships,” he says.