From software engineering to market making

Renzhi always had a knack for coding and an interest in finance, but as a software engineer, he found his creative instincts underutilized. “The path didn’t offer me enough leeway to develop innovative solutions, something that I had enjoyed doing thoroughly at university,” he recalls. This led him to pursue quantitative research, a field where he could blend his technical skills with inventive problem-solving.

Quantitative researchers build the strategies and algorithms used by traders. If a model isn’t performing as desired, they improve the algorithm by tweaking its behavior or enhancing its capabilities. “There are definitely some transferable skills between software engineering and quant research – coding, quick iteration, and intuitive programming skills. But quant research presents more challenging problems that require thinking outside the box, which is exactly what I was seeking,” Renzhi explains.

Renzhi discovered a quantitative research role at IMC London. “I thought that the way the team is set up would offer opportunities to try different things,” he says. “Plus, I really liked speaking to my manager during the interview. It was clear that there would be loads to learn from him and the team.”

IMC’s Global Traineeship facilitated Renzhi’s transition from software engineering to quant research, where he joined new hires and graduates from all offices in Chicago to learn about IMC’s trading and tech fundamentals.

A day in the life at IMC

While there is no such thing as a typical day, Renzhi’s mornings usually start with checking the results of simulations he ran the evening before. “I gather signals from these simulations, which feed into my strategies and algorithms. The rest of the day is spent coding ideas, analyzing data, and running pipelines,” he explains. “As IMC is a global organization, we liaise closely with Amsterdam to provide insights and exchange knowledge.”

Typical of IMC’s culture, Renzhi finds that he is given lots of responsibility and equipped with the tools to solve complex challenges. “At IMC, you’re never going to be stuck in one place, and that’s exactly what makes the company stand out. There’s so much to do, new things to try, and you can really get stuck in what you enjoy,” he says. “This is especially the case in the London office. The teams are lean, so you’re encouraged to bring ideas and run with them.”

Renzhi believes that the exposure and autonomy he enjoys at IMC are unparalleled. "I don’t think you could get this exposure at a larger firm or a traditional institution like a bank," he added. The ability to constantly explore new challenges and contribute to various projects makes each day unique, exciting and rewarding.

Making the most of London

Having spent most of his life in a small city, Renzhi thoroughly enjoys London’s restaurants, bars, and music scene. “London has the perfect mix of vibrancy and charm, and it’s nearly not as busy as New York or Shanghai,” he says. “I love exploring the city! Balancing work with what London offers is easier than it seems. If I have plans for the evening, I make sure to wrap up in time. On days when I feel like working a bit longer, I do that too.”

For anyone looking to start a career at a market making firm in London, Renzhi has some words of wisdom. “Being smart is a norm in this industry, but being able to think outside the box will make you stand out,” he says. “There's a vast amount of research that market making firms use to maintain a competitive edge. You can uncover a lot of opportunities by reading, analyzing, and innovating independently. It's all about stepping out of your comfort zone.”

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