Jack Hu

6.30 AM

I typically wake up at 6.30 am and aim to leave my place by 7.30 am. I try to get to my bus station by 8.00 am and catch the NX1 to the city.

8.20 AM

I arrive at the NZX Centre in Auckland CBD and head up to level 14, where my team sits. After greeting my colleagues, I kickstart the day with a cup of coffee. Logging in, I check my emails and calendar, and plan for the day ahead.

8.45 AM

I head up to the level 15 foyer for The Huddle. The investment team usually presents on a topic. It’s great to gain insight into different areas of the business and learn more about the market.

9.00 AM

The day usually begins with a meeting around 9.00 am. Whether it’s a team weekly catch-up or a one-on-one with my manager, it’s a fantastic opportunity to talk about action items, discuss priorities, and track progress. Plus, it’s a chance to bond with the team.

10.00 AM

By this time, I’ve wrapped up my first meeting and tackled a few emails. Regular meet-ups with my mentor (a senior leader from a different business unit) follow. We chat about my goals and chart a path to achieve them. Our mentors, with their years of experience, provide valuable insights into improving decision-making, problem-solving, and navigating complex situations.

10.30 AM

Now it’s time to dive into my top-priority work for the day. Being surrounded by my team provides constant support—I always try to ask about anything that I don’t understand, gather feedback on my work, and ask for ways I can improve.

12.00 PM

Lunchtime! At NZX, lunch is flexible—you can take your break whenever it suits your calendar. Most days, we gather as a group of graduates or as a team. Whether it’s a quick walk to the Commercial Bay food court or a treat from Amano bakery, it’s a great time to catch up with colleagues and step away from screens.

1.30 PM

After reviewing emails, our team engages in catch-ups with stakeholders. These meetings, whether internal or external, focus on larger projects and updates. While they involve attentive listening and note-taking, they also offer insights into how managers and leaders analyze information, weigh options, and make decisions. I also try to identify gaps, propose innovative ideas, and contribute different viewpoints.

3.00 PM

I typically work on longer-term projects that require regular check-ins with my manager or a senior leader. I prioritize transparency by providing updates to ensure we’re on the same page. This approach saves time in the long run, preventing the need for backtracking later. During this time, I usually take a break for a cup of tea and a cheeky biscuit in the kitchen.

5.00 PM

At 5 PM, I focus on wrapping up my work for the day. I make sure everything is in order for the next day, do a final check of my inbox, and then log off.

5.30 PM

Today, we have a Young Professional Networking event hosted by Smartshares. I head up to the 15th floor to grab some food and drinks. It’s also an opportunity to network with other young professionals from different industries.

6.30 PM

Time to head home!

8.00 PM

Now that the sun is setting early, I try to do a quick run on the treadmill to get some exercise in. 

Thinking of experiencing life as an NZX Graduate? Sign up to Prosple to receive job alerts for NZX.