Optiver
Website: Optiver
Ready to launch a career where your ideas drive real change?
As a tech-driven trading firm, Optiver improves global financial markets by providing liquidity, making them more efficient, transparent, and stable.
Our graduate and internship programs in technology, trading, and research equip you with the tools, training, and mentorship needed to tackle some of the industry’s toughest challenges. We believe great ideas can come from anyone, which is why we foster a flat, collaborative environment where your ideas are valued from day one.
We’re looking for problem-solvers from diverse STEM backgrounds—no finance experience needed.
https://optiver.com/working-at-optiver/early-careers/
Career Kickstarter: Trading 2026 in Amsterdam
Want to accelerate your path from student to full-time trader?
Career Kickstarter: Trading is an immersive five-day program at Optiver’s Amsterdam office, offering final-year students at European Universities a direct pathway to a career in trading.
Over the course of one week, you’ll experience a real-world trading environment, moving from options theory to developing highly relevant practical industry skills. Through a blend of interactive lectures, trading games, and expert mentorship, you’ll learn how to think—and act—like a trader.
If you prove to be a good match for our Graduate Trader role, you may receive a full-time job offer once the program is complete.
Apply below and take the first step towards accelerating your career in trading.
When: 1 – 5 June 2026
Where: Optiver Amsterdam Headquarters
Application deadline: Applications close at 17:00 CET on 22 March 2026, and the first step of the recruitment process (online assessments) must be completed by 23:59 CET on the same day.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Learning and skill development:
Explore options theory: Delve deeper into our operations through interactive lectures on the fundamentals of options theory.
Learn about trading strategies: Discover how data, reports, and proposals drive the development of impactful new trading strategies.
Design a trading algorithm: Gain hands-on experience designing and testing your own trading algorithm.
Engage in trading games: Participate in fast-paced games that mimic real-world trading scenarios, helping sharpen your instincts and decision-making skills under pressure.
Networking and culture:
Get to know Optiver’s culture: Get a taste of Optiver’s incredible culture and enjoy our perks and benefits, including daily breakfast, lunch, coffee, and more.
Build your network: Enjoy networking events with Traders, Quantitative Researchers, and Recruiters.
Receive expert mentorship: Benefit from the guidance and support of our renowned Trading Education Team.
Hotel & travel: You’ll benefit from fully expensed travel and hotel accommodation in Amsterdam on your chosen program dates.
ELIGIBILITY
BSc or MSc student graduating from a university in Europe between May 2024 – August 2027
Currently situated in the Netherlands, UK or Europe
All Econometrics and STEM degree backgrounds are considered
You are able to demonstrate at the time of application that you have the requisite visa or other travel authorisations in place in order to allow you to attend the program in person.
WHO YOU ARE
Excellent numerical and analytical skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, developed through STEM degrees such as Econometrics
Fast decision-making skills under pressure
Competitive attitude and an eagerness to constantly improve yourself
Fluent communication skills in English
Excellent attention to detail
Programming skills are not required, but definitely desirable
Does this sound like the future you’re looking for? Apply now by submitting your CV and take the first step towards your trading career.
Please note that this application process consists of two stages: an online assessment, and a technical interview. You will receive the online assessment soon after submitting your application, and the interviews will follow in April.
Diversity statement
Optiver is committed to diversity and inclusion.
We encourage applications from candidates from any and all backgrounds, and we welcome requests for reasonable adjustments during the process to ensure that you can best demonstrate your abilities. Please let us know if you would like to request any reasonable adjustments by contacting the Recruitment team via the contact form, selecting “Reasonable Adjustments” as the subject of your inquiry.