Experiences

Paul, Junior Market Maker

I joined the company as a trainee market maker in October 2008. I was fresh out of university. The first weeks were quite intense, you have to learn all the theory. As soon as you cover the theoretical grounds you get to trade and continue in a ‘learning by doing’ manner.

Now about six months in, I have pretty much the same day to day responsibilities as the other traders. I come to the office before market opening to have enough time to update myself with latest news and developments that could affect my work. Just as the market opens it can be the most intense time of the day when most trades are done. After that I take a cup of tea or coffee (depending on my mood) and just take the ride of the day as it comes. The trading environment is very dynamic and it is possible that there is no flow in the market so I get to do various things that interest me like reading news or coming up with trading tools that could be useful. But when the market starts boiling I get back to full attention on the screen. The fast pace moments when you can’t go to the bathroom, because you don’t want to miss anything, are the times that I enjoy the most. It is this rush I get makes me feel good at the end of the day.

The company is growing fast although it still preserves casual work environment and really flat management. I can always discuss all matters with any colleague around me no matter if he is a junior or a senior. In this place everybody will find some time to go over my ideas and concerns. I find this company a great place to kick start my career in finance.