Pros
Optiver shines because it has all of the backing of a strong, successful, multinational corporate firm, with the flat structure and culture of a start-up. Here are some points that highlight this:
- Superb perks/benefits and compensation. Bonuses have been consistently high for the past few years, and are only going up. There will be plenty of 7 figure bonuses this year.
- You can move up very quickly. It should only take you a few years to reach the highest trader level if you are doing well.
- Unlike so many other trading firms, profits are shared, forming the foundation of the teamwork-oriented culture. There is a natural incentive for information sharing and collaboration, "all you have to do is ask." Everyone wants to see others succeed because we all want to see the pie get bigger.
- Plenty of autonomy. Good traders learn to become good entrepreneurs, pursuing success through the projects they choose. As long as you can support your ideas (over competing ideas) with logic and data, you will be able to get the resources to execute them.
- Excellent work-life balance. Most traders are here from 700AM-530PM. Most traders don't come in on weekends, though some choose to.
- Plenty of transparency.
Cons
- When IT is busy, it can be difficult to get your idea or project developed in a timely manner.
- Continuing education could be better, although we are working on this.
