Savanna Hoffman
Optiver is a global trading firm that offers internships and graduate programs in various fields, including trading, finance, technology, risk & control, and data science. The company has offices in Amsterdam, Sydney, and other locations, and it recruits students from diverse degree backgrounds. While Optiver offers opportunities for international students, eligibility requirements may vary based on the specific program and location. In the past, Optiver has recruited international students for its trading internships in Amsterdam, providing them with training and mentorship to succeed in the industry. The company also offers comprehensive tech onboarding programs for graduates transitioning into trading technology roles, which include regional training tailored to specific skills. Overall, Optiver values bright minds, collaboration, and inclusivity, providing a range of career opportunities for talented individuals worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Internship duration | 8-10 weeks |
| Internship location | Amsterdam, Sydney |
| Internship eligibility | penultimate or pre-penultimate university student |
| Internship eligibility | Australian or New Zealand Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or able to secure full working rights after graduating |
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What You'll Learn
Optiver's internship program
Optiver offers a range of internship opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in tech, trading, risk, and research. The company's internship program is designed to provide a launch pad for students' careers, allowing them to immerse themselves in the fast-paced and dynamic world of market-making.
During the 8-10 week internship, interns are entrusted with projects that directly impact Optiver's world-class trading systems. They collaborate with and are mentored by industry experts, gaining hands-on trading experience and working on complex algorithms. The program also includes social events, clubs, and various office perks, such as meals and snacks.
Optiver's internship opportunities are available in different locations, including Amsterdam and Sydney. In the summer of 2024, three students joined Optiver Amsterdam as trading interns, working alongside 16 peers on a significant group project.
The company seeks bright minds with humble mindsets to solve complex financial challenges. Interns are expected to make quick and informed decisions while collaborating in a unique internal culture that fosters an encouraging environment for working together on projects.
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Eligibility requirements for internships
Optiver offers internships to students interested in gaining experience in the fields of tech, trading, risk, and research. The company's internship program is designed to be a launch pad for students' careers, providing them with hands-on experience and the opportunity to work on impactful projects. Optiver's internships typically last eight weeks, during which interns are entrusted with developing and executing live market strategies and collaborating with industry experts.
Regarding eligibility requirements, Optiver seeks penultimate or pre-penultimate university students. Additionally, the company requires interns to be graduating between December 2025 and June 2027. Optiver's internship opportunities are available in various locations, including Amsterdam and Sydney.
The application and interview process for Optiver's internships is designed to be smooth and straightforward. It typically involves an online assessment, behavioral and technical interviews, and a virtual interview with the hiring team. Optiver also provides a highly competitive internship compensation package, covering flights, living accommodations, and commuting stipends for interns.
Optiver values diverse perspectives and skill sets among its interns. In the summer of 2024, the company welcomed interns from diverse backgrounds who collaborated on a significant group project aimed at predicting one-day-out realized volatility. Each intern brought their unique approach to the challenge, contributing to a rich and collaborative internship experience.
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Internship compensation package
Optiver offers a highly competitive internship compensation package for its eight-week summer internship programme. The package includes Optiver-covered flights, living accommodations, and commuting stipends (where applicable). Interns also benefit from various office perks, including onsite breakfast, lunch, snacks, and an in-house barista. Social events and clubs are also part of the internship experience.
The internship programme itself is an immersive experience in the fast-paced, dynamic world of market-making. Interns are entrusted to own projects, develop and execute live market strategies, and collaborate with the industry's best professionals. This is a valuable opportunity for students to gain hands-on trading experience and make a direct impact on global financial markets.
The average Optiver salary for interns ranges from approximately $59,477 per year for a QT Intern to $740,366 per year for a Senior Trader. The hourly rate ranges from approximately $24 per hour to $210 per hour.
Optiver interns have the opportunity to work in one of three offices: Amsterdam, Sydney, or the US. The eligibility criteria for the internship include being in the penultimate year of study and graduating in 2026. The application process typically involves an online assessment, behavioural and technical interviews, and a virtual interview with the hiring team.
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Optiver's graduate programs
Optiver offers a range of graduate programs and opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in tech, trading, risk, and research. The company's success is built on fresh ideas and innovative minds, and it fosters an environment that encourages interns, graduates, and early-career professionals to make an impact and unlock their full potential.
One of the key aspects of Optiver's graduate programs is the comprehensive training provided. When starting a career at Optiver, graduates undergo an onboarding program that begins in Amsterdam and continues in their local office. For example, the first four weeks of training for trading hires take place in Optiver's Amsterdam office, where they learn the fundamentals of trading and options theory. After this initial period, graduates return to their local office to begin immersive simulated trading. By the end of the 12-week program, they are trained, licensed, and prepared to join the trading floor with the support of their team.
Optiver also offers a tech onboarding program specifically designed for graduates transitioning from academia to a career in trading technology. This program provides graduates with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed in this field. Additionally, Optiver's award-winning training programs, such as the Optiver Academy, equip graduates with essential skills, critical knowledge, and a valuable network to set them up for long-term success within the company.
The company's graduate programs are not limited to a specific location or office. Optiver's graduate opportunities span across different regions, including Amsterdam, where interns and graduates work on significant projects, and Sydney, where the company offers recruiting programs and events. Optiver also provides insights into the unique opportunities available in the US for those interested in exploring trading and finance careers.
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Optiver's culture
Optiver's recruitment process is uncompromising, as it seeks to hire extraordinary individuals who are problem solvers and team players. The company understands that brilliance feeds off brilliance and encourages its employees to help each other push the envelope. Optiver's reward structure is based on this collaborative philosophy. The company offers a range of opportunities for interns, graduates, and experienced professionals across five critical domains: trading, technology, risk & control, data science, and business operations.
The company's culture has been described as similar to that of FAANG companies, with a unique aspect of poker/sports betting/gaming typical of trading firms. Optiver's working hours are typically from 8 am to 5:30 pm, and the company operates a unique marble system for compensation. Marbles are units of global firm profit, and their value can vary based on individual performance and regional adjustments. While Optiver offers a highly competitive and collaborative work environment, there have been allegations of a less positive nature regarding the company's culture, including bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
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Frequently asked questions
Optiver hires penultimate or pre-penultimate university students from all degree backgrounds for internships. However, Optiver Sydney Campus internships require applicants to be Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, or able to secure full working rights after graduating.
Optiver offers internships in trading, tech, and research.
Optiver's internship program involves improving the market through projects that directly impact its world-class trading systems. Interns are entrusted to develop and execute live market strategies and collaborate with mentors from the industry.
Optiver's internships last between 8 and 10 weeks.
Optiver offers a highly competitive internship compensation package, including covered flights, living accommodations, and commuting stipends. The company also provides various office perks, such as breakfast, lunch, snacks, and social events.
