Conversation with quantitative trading interns who are about to join IMC trading

IMC Trading is a leading global proprietary trading company and market maker. Although the outside world may think of IMC as a trading company, it is actually a technology-driven enterprise - focusing on the sophisticated design and development of software, hardware, advanced networks and trading algorithms. It is this ultimate pursuit of technology that helps it successfully capture alpha in the financial market. Additionally, the company sits at the intersection of technology and finance and faces many fascinating technical challenges, attracting statisticians, mathematicians, and computer scientists.

In this article, we spoke with a quantitative trading intern who is about to join IMC Trading to gain an in-depth understanding of IMC’s interview process. We hope that through this exchange, we can help everyone understand the structure of the IMC interview and be fully prepared for future interviews. Out of respect for the IMC interview process, we will not disclose specific details, but will provide a comprehensive overview to give everyone a clear understanding of this type of interview.

Conversation with IMC trading intern

How did you apply for an internship at IMC Trading?

I submitted my application through the online application.

What do you think made you pass the resume screening?

I have experience as a software engineering intern and part-time research assistant. I feel that IMC is relatively lenient in screening interns. As long as they have one professional experience, they can usually pass the screening.

How is the interview process structured?

• Round 1: Online Test
• Round 2: One-way video interview (HireVue)
• The third round: Recruitment officer technical phone call preliminary screening
• Round 4: Trader Technical Video Interview
• Round 5: Virtual final interview (2 rounds of technical interviews and 1 round of behavioral interviews)

How did you prepare for the interview?

I laid the foundation of probability through self-study in the stat110 course on edx, and then practiced a lot of questions in Joshi, Green book and stat110 textbooks. At the same time, I also conducted mock interviews to improve my confidence and coping skills.

What advice do you have for students who want to get an IMC trading internship?

First, apply boldly. I know a lot of people who don't feel like they're smart enough or qualified enough and give up on applying. For a trader internship, make sure you have a solid understanding of discrete probability. If you can express your thoughts clearly, this should be enough to get you to the final page. In the final interview, your intuition and analytical skills will be tested. Although I am not sure whether you can prepare in advance, try to explain your ideas clearly.

What misunderstandings do you have about IMC trading interviews?

You don’t need to be a multiple International Mathematical Olympiad gold medalist to pass the resume screening. As long as you do your best, are well prepared, and are right for the position, you have a chance of success.