Optiver Graduate Programs & Internships

We're a leading global trading firm, powered by technological innovation. Simply put, we trade options and other financial instruments on 50+ exchanges to improve markets around the world. 

It's a unique business, with unique challenges. We're a quiet powerhouse of creative problem solving and collaboration. And while we built our success for more than 35 years, we've deliberately forged a culture that gives our people the opportunity and support to help us make an impact every day.  

Why join us?

We’ve got a huge mission and an incredible team.
The core benefit we offer as a company. We improve the market.
The core benefit we offer as an employer. We improve your growth.

Continuous learning opportunities

We continuously invest in our talent at Optiver. You’ll have access to courses, challenges and career paths that give you a strong start, wherever you want to go. You’ll learn from inspiring colleagues, get fast feedback from stakeholders and the market, and work in cross-discipline teams to deliver real business value. Between formal training and informal feedback, your hunger for knowledge will never go unsatisfied. 

Flat structure and diverse voices

As an intentionally flat organisation, we believe that great ideas and impact can come from everyone. We are passionate about empowering individuals and creating diverse teams that thrive. Every person at Optiver should feel included, valued and respected, because we believe our best work is done together.

We value potential over expertise

This is which is why we hire candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds, studies and experience levels. We recruit from all degree backgrounds, including Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Software Development, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Econometrics, Actuarial Studies and Finance. 

If you want to accelerate your growth in one of the most dynamic and fascinating industries there is, Optiver is the place for you.

Applications are now open for our internship and graduate programs. Apply now

Why start your career at Optiver

Optiver approaches our internship and graduate programs as a long-term investment. By doing the same training and work as our tech and trading teams, we’re seeing if you have what it takes to join us full-time. 

Every day presents an opportunity to solve the seemingly impossible. It’s a place where you’re empowered to build, code, develop and strategise ideas that push the boundaries of technological and analytical possibility. 

You don’t need to know anything about trading or finance. We'll teach you that.

Internship program

It’s not just a summer gig. It’s a 10-12 week crash course designed to unlock the rest of your career. By the end of summer, our goal is to have identified future Optiverians to rejoin our world-class teams in the Graduate program. 

Applications are now open for Optiver’s 2022-23 Internship program. Apply now

Doing an Internship at Optiver

Optiver approaches our internship and graduate programs as a long-term investment. By doing the same training and work as our tech and trading teams, we’re seeing if you have what it takes to join us full-time. 

Every day presents an opportunity to solve the seemingly impossible. It’s a place where you’re empowered to build, code, develop and strategise ideas that push the boundaries of technological and analytical possibility. 

You don’t need to know anything about trading or finance. We'll teach you that.

Graduate Program

To remain at the forefront of market-making, we need the best and brightest industry talent within our teams. Your career will begin with 6 months of comprehensive training on the fundamentals of trading: theory, markets, strategies and cutting-edge technology. Then, you'll be able to put your knowledge into practice and make a tangible impact right from day one!

Applications are now open for our 2023 Graduate program. Apply now

Why start your career at Optiver?

Your degree could lead you to a role in our Tech, Trading or Research teams. Explore the below to see which team would suit you best!

Trading

Our Trading teams share market insights and strategies, collaborating on their next move. The most exciting days are the ones that defy prediction, where the market throws uncertainty at you, and your challenge is to adapt and respond.

Learn more about life on the trading floor in this short video.

Technology

Our custom-built technology is the core of our success. Our trading systems run on clean, well-tested code. As a grad or intern Software Developer or FPGA Developer, you’ll be working with a passionate and curious team who thrive on solving complex problems.

Discover what it’s like to work in Tech at Optiver in this short video.

Research

Our Research teams collaborate closely with traders and engineers to advance the capabilities of our business and improve our market-making fundamentals.

Discover what it’s like to work in Research at Optiver in this short video.

Many people find hiring processes overwhelming, which is why we aim to keep ours as smooth and simple as possible. This allows you to be at your best during the process, so you can give your all for the tests and challenges.

Here are the steps you can expect as part of your application and interview process.

At Optiver, we do things a bit differently to most businesses. We operate without clients, taking risks and reaping the rewards ourselves. We play by our own rules and maintain an informal culture to keep it fun. 

We’re passionate about empowering individuals and creating diverse teams that thrive. Every person at Optiver should feel included, valued and respected because we believe our best work is done together. 

We're committed to making the world better every day. This commitment extends to our people, making their lives better through a range of initiatives, benefits and opportunities. We believe the best equipped go furthest. 

• Gym memberships for staff to help stay fit and active
• Small group training sessions with SoulTrain
• Weekly meditation and mindfulness sessions on managing stress and building resilience
• Daily free breakfast and lunch provided by our in-house chefs
• Fresh fruit, healthy snacks and vegan/vegetarian options for every meal
• Onsite barista
• Weekly in-chair massages for all staff
• Onsite shower facilities so you can freshen after a workout
• Plenty of teams and clubs to get involved in, from football and squash to cycling teams, and even rock climbing!
• Regular health challenges for charity, such as cycling, StepCount challenges, the Square Mile Relay and more
• An internal library - the Book Nook - is full of resources available to all staff to upskill or expand.

What makes Optiver a great place to work?

We believe in giving back to the communities we come from and operate within. This drive for 'better every day' takes a lot of different shapes, to give our people opportunities to support their preferred causes.

• We support Indigenous artists through the Artbank program.
• We support the Movember campaign, which means a lot of furry lips (and fitness folks) during November.
• We promote blood donation drives, fitness and wellness events.
• We have regular in-house trading sessions to raise money for nominated charities and causes.
• We build charitable outcomes into staff training initiatives, and even into our annual trip!
• We hold a Charity Vote every year, giving $20K donations to three charities voted for by our staff.
• Each day, leftover food is donated to OzHarvest, ensuring it goes to those in need.
• We donate books, toys and gifts to the Smith Family Christmas Appeal, and allow staff to give their Christmas Gift to a charity of their choice.
• We have volunteer days for all staff, allowing our people to dedicate their time to the things they care for.
• We continue to adopt new initiatives to improve our impact on the planet. From sustainable coffee cups and selecting vendors with impeccable environmental credentials to reducing our single-use plastics and reducing food waste, we're always looking for ways to do better every day.
• We encourage staff to cycle to work, providing bike storage and free bike servicing services to reduce environmental impact and traffic on the roads.
• Our offices are in a 6-star green-rated building, and we work with Ecosave to monitor and optimise our environmental impact.