“Sometimes, the most meaningful parts of your past are waiting for you in the future,” says Hank (Hanqing) Lin, who unexpectedly reunited with Miles (Juanjun) Gan at a recent alumni networking event in Shanghai, China.

“We lost touch simply because life sped up before graduation – different cities, careers and priorities,” says Hank.

“We didn’t have a disagreement,” adds Miles. “We just drifted. It’s funny how that happens ...”

But back in 2011, Hank and Miles were both international students undertaking a Bachelor of Applied Finance at Macquarie. Hank had been drawn to Macquarie’s innovative business analytics program and says, “I wanted to learn how data could drive real-world decisions, and Australia’s educational style encouraged independent thinking.”

Similarly, Miles chose Macquarie for its strong reputation in practical finance education and Sydney’s dynamic financial environment. He remembers, “The program’s alignment with the CFA curriculum really attracted me.”

And so it was that the pair serendipitously met in a share house in Eastwood. “We only lived together for one semester,” says Miles, “but it was the heart of our university experience, and shows how two people from different worlds can shape each other’s paths – that’s the magic of studying abroad,” he reflects.

Miles distinctly remembers meeting Hank in the kitchen. “My first impression of him was that he was quiet but I could also tell that he was incredibly focused – his desk was already stacked with textbooks!”

Hank, meanwhile, remembers Miles introducing himself with so much energy. “He seemed like someone who could make friends anywhere, and I thought, this guy might actually get me out of my shell. Our friendship was built on balanced opposites,” he says.

And though their time together was short, it influenced them both in terms of the kinds of people they would become. “I pushed Hank to socialise, and he grounded my ideas with logic,” says Miles, who admired Hank’s analytical discipline.

“Miles taught me how to break down complex problems systematically,” recalls Hank. “Sometimes his perfectionism was challenging – he’d recheck data three times, even for a minor assignment!”

The late-night study sessions during finals were memorable too. “We’d brew terrible instant coffee in the common kitchen and quiz each other,” remembers Miles. “Once, Hank tried to use a financial model to decide which takeaway was the most cost-effective for dinner, but we ended up ordering the fastest option anyway.”

Hank valued the friendship too. “Miles showed me the power of networking and adaptability. He could turn a casual conversation into a valuable connection. I found it challenging to keep up with his social energy at times, but it pushed me to grow.”

At the end of the semester their time house-sharing came to an end, and Hank helped Miles move to his new accommodation. “I didn’t realise it would be the last time I’d see him in Sydney – it meant a lot.” And so the pair went their separate ways.

Hank graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Finance in 2012, then a Master of Economics and Master of Commerce (Finance) in 2013, before returning to China and joining the Bank of Communications as an analyst. He then led an analytics team for the securities and investment banking firm HAITONG Securities, and is now Managing Director at HAITONG Futures, where he says, “the data-driven mindset from my degree still shapes how I approach business problems.”

Miles also went back to China after completing his degree in 2014 to make his start in a graduate corporate banking program before moving into fintech investment. Currently a bonds manager at Kaiyuan Co Securities, he says, “The finance projects at Macquarie gave me the practical modelling skills I continue to use daily.”

The influence of Macquarie would indeed be enduring, but it wouldn’t be until they both fortuitously decided to attend the same alumni event in Shanghai that Hank and Miles would reconnect. “I saw the event on WeChat and registered on a whim,” says Miles, who was the first to spot Hank.

“I almost didn’t recognise him – he was more polished, but had the same smile,” says Miles.

“It was surreal,” adds Hank. “My first thought was, does he still remember me? I was most curious about whether he’d found a career that balanced his love for data with his creative side.”

Naturally, the conversation flowed easily, catching up on lost time and reflecting on how they’d both changed in the intervening years. “Miles feels more reflective now, not just ‘on’ all the time,” says Hank, who admits he’s learned to embrace ambiguity rather than seeking perfect answers.

“I think Hank has become more assertive and confident in leading others,” adds Miles, who concedes he is less impulsive now. “Finance taught me risk management!” he laughs, and it’s clear their bond has remained as strong as ever.

“We’ve been given a second chance at a friendship that mattered deeply,” says Hank, adding they’ve already organised a monthly coffee catch-up and created a WeChat group. “This time, we’ll prioritise our friendship!” he says.

Both grateful to the alumni network for bringing them back together, Miles encourages others to reach out to their local network too, not just to find those you’ve lost touch with over the years, but as a way to reconnect with an important part of your past, and create opportunities in the future.

“Alumni events are low-pressure starting points,” he says. “Just reach out – one message can reopen a door,” he enthuses.

“Don’t overthink it,” adds Hank. “Shared history is a powerful connector – even years later, you might pick up right where you left off!”

Stay connected

Curious about becoming part of Macquarie University’s alumni network? Keen to attend an event, start one in your own part of the world, or just stay up to date with what’s happening? The first step is staying connected – you never know who you might meet, or where it might lead!

Bios

Hank (Hanqing) Lin holds a Bachelor of Applied Finance (2012) and a Master of Economics and Master of Commerce (Finance) (2013) from Macquarie University. From 2013 to 2015, he worked at the Bank of Communications before joining HAITONG Securities in 2015. He is currently Managing Director of the Asset Management Department at HAITONG Futures.

Miles (Juanjun) Gan graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Applied Finance in 2014. He is currently a bonds manager at Kaiyuan Co Securities.

Share your Macquarie Alumni story with us