Harry Groves: alumni profile
What has your journey been since leaving CCGS?
Since leaving CCGS, I attended the University of Sydney where I completed a double degree in Financial Economics and Indonesian Studies. During my four years at university, I was fortunate that my studies took me oversees across South East Asia, the USA, China and the Middle East, as a representative for several domestic and international organisations. One of my personal highlights would be working alongside the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the New Colombo Scholarship program, which allowed me to live, work and study within Indonesia for a year.
Post graduating in 2020, I have spent the last three years working within Commonwealth Bank’s Global Markets Department. I joined as an analyst over the summer of 2020/21 and have since specialised in foreign exchange and interest rates covering clients across the country and overseas.
What has been the proudest moment in your life so far?
Completing my recent trip to the Himalayas. Being avid hikers, my friend and I travelled to Nepal in February to undertake three weeks of mountaineering and hiking. We were able to reach peaks of over 5,500m in elevation before descending down into the iconic Everest Base Camp. Travelling in Nepal’s winter was both incredibly beautiful, yet challenging. Over the three weeks, we only saw 5-10 other travellers, despite covering a couple of hundred kilometres in sub -20c conditions, crossing glaciers and snow-covered terrain. It was certainly something I’ll never forget and would be eager to revisit later in life.
Was there a particular teacher or CCGS experience that shaped your career path or aspirations?
For me, the year 10 Global Exchange Program was certainly a catalyst for my curiosity outside of Australia. I was fortunate enough to go to the USA for three months and really enjoyed the opportunity to try and to see new things. During the exchange trip, the host school also had guest speakers from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, which gave me valuable insights into where an economics career can take you. From here, I sought out as many opportunities as I could at university to travel overseas for my studies and ended up in a career in global financial markets.
In 2023 you initiated an opportunity for CCGS students studying economics to participate in an excursion to the Commonwealth Bank Global Trading Desk. Why is it important to you to give back and create opportunities for current students?
Throughout my life, I have had a couple of pivotal experiences that have helped shape my career aspirations. During school, I certainly found it challenging at times to see where my studies could take me, particularly during the HSC. A trading floor was never something that I had considered. Now I'm in a position where I can give back, I wanted to give today's CCGS Year 12 students a chance to see a live operating global markets trading floor, and share with them one option of what is possible beyond their studies.
What values did CCGS instil in you that have made an impact on your life?
I think CCGS did a really good job of promoting a balanced lifestyle. Whether that be balancing school with sport, music, reading, or whatever hobby that interested you. Working in an industry notoriously known for long hours, I have certainly tried to maintain, and have come to appreciate, the importance of not only work but also having time for friends, family and hobbies.
Outside of work, what are you passionate about?
I love getting outdoors; whether that is playing sport, travelling, camping or hiking.
What advice would you give to your high school self?
To try keep everything in perspective. Of course focus on doing well in your HSC; however remember all of the other important aspects of your life, as these will all help you succeed throughout your life.
