How did your maths background lead you to IMC?

Tom: I enrolled at the University of Adelaide without a clear idea of my long-term career direction. Maths felt like a good starting point – a platform from which I could pivot into various fields, like engineering, finance or accounting. One thing I’ve always really enjoyed is problem-solving, so I leant towards a career where that would be a key focus. That’s how I found myself applying to IMC’s Graduate Traineeship.

Ollie: I agree, maths and trading are a natural fit. In both instances, the key is to use abstract thinking to solve complex problems quickly and efficiently.

I studied maths at the University of Queensland. Like Tom, I didn’t have a clear sense of where to go after that, but the chance to apply my skills in a fast-paced professional environment sounded really appealing. In trading, things move at lightning speed, and you get to see the impact of your decision in real-time – which isn’t necessarily the case in other finance environments.

How are you using your maths skills in your work?

Ollie: At IMC, we combine an analytical approach to problem-solving with an entrepreneurial mindset. The goal is to achieve the best possible returns on the trades we make. We rely heavily on mathematics to optimise our existing trading algorithms and develop new ones. Having a strong level of maths also helps us to identify new opportunities in our markets.

Tom: Likewise, I’m using elements of my degree on an almost daily basis. Being able to apply mathematical theory to real-life trading tasks is fun, and it’s a way for me to add real value to the team. But it’s also about using the intangible skills you gain as a maths student: the ability to find creative approaches to difficult problems. Every day on the trading desk brings new, complex challenges – so having a natural aptitude for solving problems is a huge advantage.

How has your career developed since you joined IMC?

Tom: Like many people joining IMC, I only had a basic understanding of financial markets, making the Graduate Traineeship the ideal starting point. You’re given everything you need to get up to speed quickly – from financial markets theory to the specific trading systems and strategies that IMC uses. 

Within a few short months, I was on a desk making my own trading decisions. Recently, I’ve moved into a leadership role. I’m currently looking after several new graduates, helping to guide their personal career journeys.

Ollie: My career has followed a similar path to Tom’s. Having joined as a graduate, I became a manager in 2022 and a team lead the following year. It has always been an ambition of mine to manage others, and IMC has really supported me to take that step. For example, there’s early management training you can do, and my more experienced colleagues have always been on-hand to offer advice when I’ve needed it.

Was it easy to adjust to life in Sydney?

Ollie: Moving from Brisbane was a breeze. IMC provided a lot of relocation support, and the Global Traineeship is the perfect environment to start networking and getting to know other graduates and colleagues.

IMC has graduates joining from all over Australia and New Zealand, so you quickly realise everyone is in the same boat, and forming friendships is easy with all the extra-curricular activities on offer. I’ve really enjoyed being part of IMC’s Run Club and taking part in running events like the Bloomberg Square Mile Relay, where we came second.

Tom: I don’t totally share Ollie’s passion for running, but Sydney is the perfect location if you love being outdoors. I moved here from Adelaide just before COVID hit in 2020, so it took a while to get the full Sydney experience. However, I’ve been lucky enough to have incredible managers and colleagues who supported me through those first few months.

Now that things have opened up again, I’ve been able to completely immerse myself in IMC life! That includes everything from Friday night drinks to weekend trips to the beach and our famous IMC weekend away. IMCers definitely know how to have fun – it’s great to have that balance between work and play.

Where do you see your career going in the future?

Tom: IMC’s organisational structure is very flat– so it's up to you to create your own path. This means working hard to influence the success and profitability of your desk’s trading strategy, but also helping others to do the same, in a manager or mentor capacity.

Beyond that, my career could take me in any number of possible directions. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to travel and spend time in IMC’s international offices.

Ollie: Seeing the world is high on my list, too! I’ve had a taste of working in other offices during the Graduate Traineeship, and I’d be interested in moving to Amsterdam, Chicago or Mumbai on a longer-term basis. More generally, my ambition is to continue growing as a trader through exposure to new markets and challenges.

What advice would you give to maths students looking to follow in your footsteps?

Tom: Like I said, don’t worry about lacking financial knowledge at the start – you’ll learn everything you need to know through the Graduate Traineeship and, of course, the job itself. If you like being challenged, then you’ll love what a trading career has to offer.

Ollie: Don’t think, just do it! Trading is a fun and exciting career path; one that allows you to use your maths skills to tame a constantly evolving beast! The markets never stand still, and neither will you – there’s always something new to keep you on your toes.

Ready to put your skills to work as a graduate trader at IMC?