Launchpad participants typically have a background in engineering, computer science, mathematics or other subjects with a strong quantitative element. They include Luke, a 2022 Mathematics and Computer Science graduate from the University of Sydney, who took the plunge back in 2021.

“I had heard how trading could be a great career option for people with my kind of skill set,” he says. “Those I spoke to talked about solving problems in a fast-paced environment. That was a big hook for me, and the IMC Launchpad was a chance to see whether it actually rang true.”

Getting real hands-on experience

Launchpad is about more than just watching and learning – it’s about giving students the chance to put the skills and theory they’ve learned at university into practice in a real-world environment.

Participants are immersed in the world of trading and engineering through a range of interactive classes. As well as programming tasks in Python and C++, they are also given a hands-on introduction to the world of market making through games and exercises.

For Luke, the highlight was getting to develop his own trading strategies during a group-based trading simulation exercise. “It was a lot of fun,” he says. “We competed in teams to build an algorithm to trade on a fictional, pizza-based market. We put our coding skills to the test and got a feel for what it’s like to work on a trading desk at arm’s length from the markets.”

As well as gaining new skills and insights, Launchpad participants are encouraged to engage with current IMC traders and engineers at lunches, social events and other networking sessions. Students are also assigned a buddy – someone on-hand to answer questions and offer support as needed.

“I met some great people during Launchpad,” says Luke. “My trainers were all current IMC professionals, but I also got talking to people on the Internship program and Graduate Traineeship during the networking sessions. Everyone happily made time to chat, and I got a sense of how passionate people at IMC are about the work they do.”

A natural stepping stone

In addition to offering a slice of life at the company, Launchpad is a way of spotting future IMC talent, and those who excel over the two days are fast-tracked to the final interview stage for the Internship program. Luke was among those who stood out, and after completing the interview process, he was invited to join the 2022/23 Summer Internship program.

“The Internship feels like a natural progression from Launchpad,” he explains. “But it’s a big step up: you’re introduced to topics in a lot more depth and you’re responsible for your own learning – both understanding what’s being taught and improving in areas where you’re less strong. It’s challenging but also a lot of fun!”

Interns take part in mock trading games and simulation exercises, as well as short, data-focused projects – a chance to get to grips with IMC’s trading algorithms and systems. Other activities include “Grad spotlight” sessions, where current trading and engineering graduates take turns talking about their work, followed by a short Q&A.

Sydney, Amsterdam and beyond

After completing his internship, Luke took another important step – this time onto the Graduate Traineeship. Having started his training in Sydney in February 2023, he’s since moved to IMC’s Amsterdam office, where he’ll complete the Traineeship in April.

As a veteran of all three phases of the process – Launchpad participant, Intern, and Graduate – Luke has some words of wisdom for others just starting out on their IMC journey: “If you’re curious about working in trading or financial technology, my advice is to start with Launchpad. Anyone who enjoys quantitative problem-solving is guaranteed to have a good time – and maybe pick up a few new skills. Make sure you have all your questions at the ready: Launchpad is your chance to lift the veil on IMC and trading and engineering in general, so don’t be afraid to ask!”

Ready to launch?