One of the few students from his high school in a small New South Wales mining town to attend university, Will is now loving life as a third-year Maths and Actuarial Studies student at Australian National University (ANU). We caught him fresh from his trading internship with IMC, where he enjoyed the immersive experience of trading simulations and the vibrancy of Sydney as a temporary home.

Planning for a future in finance

Growing up in Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Will had a keen interest in numbers. He excelled in mathematics at school and always wanted to do something analytical as a career.

A move to Canberra to study at ANU sparked his interest in the finance industry.

“I decided to apply for internships to gain hands-on experience, and IMC was high on my list,” he explains. “I wanted to try something numerical in nature, something that challenged my problem-solving and analytical capabilities. The trading internship at IMC ticked all these boxes.”

Immersing in the IMC experience

After successfully navigating the application process, Will moved to Sydney for a 10-week internship at IMC’s office in the Quay Quarter Tower.

He found the experience fast-paced and rewarding. “The focus was on education, which I really value,” he says. “Each day, we’d sit with IMC’s experienced traders and learn about different aspects of trading – from financial markets to game theory, research, and strategy.”

The trading simulations were a particular highlight. “The practical element made the experience really exciting,” Will shares. “The simulations were competitive and intense, but incredibly rewarding. We sharpened our decision-making skills and learned to adapt under pressure.”

Throughout his journey, Will was supported by a mentor. “IMCers are proud of their collaborative and supportive culture, and it was great to see that coming through.”

The change of scenery and the chance to experience a new city was the icing on the cake. “IMC takes care of travel and accommodation for the internship, which is fantastic. Being close to the office and the CBD was a huge plus, and having all the interns stay together in one place made it even more fun,” Will adds. “After work, we often went out to dinner, to the beach, and explored Sydney together.”

“Just take the leap”

So, what advice can Will offer to students considering an internship at IMC?

“If you’re like me, you probably have doubts about whether you’re up to the task”, he shares. “But don’t assume rejection – just take the leap!The internship expanded my career horizons, and I’d highly recommend it to students who are curious about the world of trading.”

“It’s also important to prepare well,” Will adds. He suggests that students do plenty of research on the industry, learn how the application process works, and practice ahead of time.

“Be prepared to be challenged and give your very best. As long as you approach the experience in the right mindset, you can’t go far wrong!”

Are you ready to test yourself and gain real trading exposure with IMC Sydney?