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Register Your Interest! - Graduate Programme 2025

  • Internship
    Full-time
    Off-cycle Internship
  • Data
    Software Engineering
  • London

AI generated summary

  • You need a strong competitive edge, enthusiasm to learn, high mathematical ability, programming skills in VBA/Python, and an upper second-class STEM degree; options theory is a plus.
  • You will engage in immersive training, rotate across trading desks, collaborate with experienced traders or developers, and work on projects to enhance knowledge in options markets and technology.

Requirements

  • An ability to demonstrate a competitive edge; Mako is a very collegiate environment, but the market is not.
  • An enthusiasm to learn about our business and make your own mark
  • A very high demonstrable level of mathematical ability.
  • Programming ability - e.g. familiarity with VBA and Python.
  • An upper second-class degree in an STEM based subject or equivalent.
  • Options theory is not required but is desirable.

Responsibilities

  • Our Graduate Programmes are currently not open to new applications, however you can register your interest for our 2025 intakes here and a notification will be sent when they open for applications in the New Year.
  • Mako is a leading options market maker with a global trading footprint. It has been at the forefront of options market making for 20 years, from the open outcry trading pits to screen trading and automated algorithmic execution strategies that are driving the future of the industry.
  • From offices in London, Amsterdam, Singapore, Sydney, Brisbane and Chengdu, Mako offers the best in class liquidity solutions across Equities, Fixed Income, Commodities and FX derivatives markets and prides itself in its entrepreneurial, collaborative and philanthropic culture.
  • Mako's Graduate Trader Programme is an immersive and structured programme specially designed to give our graduates the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge and experience of the industry and options markets. The holistic programme runs for an 18-month period and covers the markets in which Mako operates as well as fundamental option theories and risk processes.
  • Work in a Real-Time Trading Environment
  • From the outset, Graduate Traders are introduced to our dynamic trading environment and are assigned stimulating and interactive projects to build upon their knowledge and understanding.
  • You will initially complete our specially designed rotational training programme to teach you about all aspects of trading and will then be assigned to the desk which best suits your skillset and approach to trading.
  • Learn From Highly Experienced Traders
  • As a Graduate Trader you will be working closely with our Senior Traders, giving you the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced in the business. In addition, you will participate in classes covering a rigorous syllabus of options theory and attend regular mock floor-trading sessions in a collaborative and unique environment.
  • Rotate Across a Wide Range of Product Areas
  • Graduate Traders rotate across different desks giving the added benefit of exposure across the markets in which the market making team operates. This is an exceptional opportunity to gain an understanding across a wide range of products.
  • Add Value
  • Innovation is key to our business and Graduate Traders have the opportunity to add value from the outset. Mako's structure encourages a culture of exploration, challenge and learning. Working on various projects throughout their rotations and having access to a wealth of knowledge across the business. This is the ideal environment for sharing knowledge and generating ideas to drive our business forward.
  • Mako's Graduate Developer Programme is an immersive and structured programme specially designed to give our graduates the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge and experience of the industry. As a graduate you will be a part of a structured training program that will include rotations through our Software team as well as formal training such as desk rotations. As a new hire to our business, you will be assigned a mentor, and following an initial training period have the opportunity to work on meaningful tasks that plug directly into our trading system.
  • Work in a Fast Paced Real-Time Developer Environment
  • From the outset, Graduate Developers are introduced to the team and its duties. Our low latency derivatives trading system are written in-house. It is implemented in C++ and runs on Linux.
  • The development team is responsible for designing and implementing all aspects of our proprietary trading algorithms, pricing models, user interfaces and exchange connectivity to most major derivatives venues.
  • Learn From Highly Experienced Developers
  • As a Graduate Developer you will be working closely with our Senior Developers, giving you the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced in the business. Programmers on these teams collaborate closely with traders, hardware and support teams. The teams are pragmatic and self-organising, delivering work iteratively. The teams follow best software practices, including unit testing, continuous integration and peer review.
  • The individuals that make these teams up are problem solvers who are knowledgeable, collaborative, motivated and friendly, reflecting Mako's values. The wider organization is supportive and collaborative – technology is at the centre of what we do.

FAQs

Are applications for the Graduate Programme 2025 currently open?

No, the Graduate Programme 2025 is currently not open for new applications, but you can register your interest to be notified when applications open in the New Year.

What is Mako known for?

Mako is a leading options market maker with a global trading footprint, specializing in options market making for 20 years and providing liquidity solutions across various financial markets.

What does the Graduate Trader Programme entail?

The Graduate Trader Programme is an 18-month immersive and structured program designed to give graduates in-depth knowledge and experience of the industry and options markets.

What kind of educational background is required for the Graduate Trader Programme?

Applicants should have an upper second-class degree in a STEM-based subject or equivalent, along with a very high demonstrable level of mathematical ability.

Is prior knowledge of options theory necessary?

No, knowledge of options theory is not required but it is desirable for applicants to the Graduate Trader Programme.

What programming languages should candidates be familiar with for the Graduate Trader Programme?

Candidates should be familiar with programming languages such as VBA and Python.

What will Graduate Traders do during their training?

Graduate Traders will complete a specially designed rotational training program covering all aspects of trading and will be assigned to desks that align with their skillsets.

How will Graduate Traders benefit from the experience of Senior Traders?

Graduate Traders will work closely with Senior Traders, offering them the chance to learn from highly experienced professionals in the business.

What kind of projects can Graduate Traders expect to work on?

Graduate Traders can expect to work on stimulating and interactive projects that build upon their knowledge and understanding of the trading environment.

What opportunities does the Graduate Software Developer Programme provide?

The Graduate Software Developer Programme offers structured training, mentorship, and meaningful tasks that integrate into Mako's trading system.

What programming languages and tools are used in the development team?

The development team primarily uses C++ and Linux for their low latency derivatives trading system.

Is there collaboration between developers and traders at Mako?

Yes, programmers collaborate closely with traders, hardware, and support teams to ensure the effectiveness of trading solutions.

What kind of work environment can graduates expect at Mako?

Graduates can expect a supportive and collaborative work environment characterized by innovation, exploration, and learning.

Markets. Technology. People. #WeAreMako

Finance
Industry
51-200
Employees
1999
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Mako has an established history in using technology and a deep understanding of pricing and risk management to provide liquidity on global exchanges. Our innovative and entrepreneurial approach ensures that we play a leading role in shaping the future of trading and technology. What really differentiates us from the rest? We think it is our integrity and the value that we place on our people and relationships.