Hayden Johnston

Chasing his fortunes in London

Ngaruawahia's Hayden Johnston is living out his dream as a senior business analyst in London with more than 75% of the world’s Fortune 500 companies within arm’s reach.

Since first moving to London in 2012, the Bachelor of Business Analysis (BBA) graduate has been operating as an independent contractor and built up valuable networks within the financial services industry.

He’s currently contracting as a business analyst - global risk transformation and financial crime compliance - for HSBC, the world’s fourth largest bank with total assets of US$2.67 trillion.

Hayden’s job involves working with senior executives to discuss the organisation’s strategic business objectives, and identifying methods by which these can be efficiently reached.

“I operate as an interface between business and technical teams in change environments, working with multiple stakeholders to identify issues and produce bespoke solutions,” he says.

“I also work with IT teams to design, develop, test and release application or system enhancements to the business.”

Hayden says his Bachelor of Business Analysis degree helped him immensely in entering into the corporate world. "Throughout my career so far I have found myself applying the skills I learned in BBA papers such as international corporate finance, portfolios and markets, and economics, law and policy.”

“I also regularly use the advanced Excel skills I learned in the Computer Modelling in Finance (FINA415) paper.”

After graduating from university, Hayden initially worked as an online marketing and systems manager for Keyport Medical Engineering and Equipment in Hamilton; then as a business account executive for BT Financial Group in Australia.

Finally he made the move to London, where his first role was as an IT implementation delivery manager for the National Health Service. Then he worked as a business analyst for a variety of organisations, including Tui Travel, Close Brothers Asset Finance, and Barclays Corporate bank.

“My advice to anyone considering a BBA degree would be to take the time to think about where you see yourself in the long-term and what it will take to get there. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to be top dog straight out of university, as you’re already giving yourself a great head-start to a vibrant and interesting career.”