Graduate Trader Program Chicago 2027

Graduate Trader Program Chicago 2027

Maven Securities is a leading proprietary trading firm that leverages sophisticated technology and quantitative analysis to trade in global financial markets. We specialize in options and derivatives market making, where your skills can be directly applied to have a real impact.

At Maven, we believe exceptional careers are built deliberately. Our graduate program is designed for a small number of high-potential individuals each year, combining comprehensive training, real responsibility, and long-term development. We don't hire large classes with the expectation that only a few will succeed, we invest in every individual who joins the team.

Program details

• Location: Chicago (based in London for training period)
• Program start date: September 2027
• Key requirements:
• You must have the right to work in the region you are applying for at the time of application
• You must not have applied for any other Maven programs in this cycle

Total compensation: $150k - $200k

You'll begin with a structured 11-week training program in London, designed to prepare you for a career in options market making. The initial phase focuses on building the technical foundations, trading judgement and desk understanding needed for the role. This also helps you to build working relationships with your UK counterparts, both on the Graduate Program and more senior stakeholders.

Following training, you'll return to the Chicago office where you'll move on to desk placements. Here you'll continue to develop through hands-on experience in live trading environments. The program is designed to prepare you to roll off onto a dedicated trading desk. Maven offers a few days of leave to support this transition, as well as travel, accommodation and relocation support.

What you will be doing

• Learn the foundations of options market making
• Build your understanding of pricing, probability and risk
• Apply your learning through trading simulation, mock trading and classroom-based training sessions
• Use the same tools and systems used on our Trading desks

How and what you will learn

• Progress through a structured onboarding program with clear learning milestones
• Build your foundation through theory-led training, including options theory, delivered by Maven's in-house trainers
• Develop practical trading skills through simulation and mock trading sessions, building your understanding of screen and broker trading
• Start live trading within your first 8 weeks of joining the program, increasing responsibility with support
• Receive ongoing feedback and check-ins from the Trading and Emerging Talent teams

Who you are

Key criteria

• A final-year undergraduate or master's student, or a recent graduate
• Strong numeracy skills and a solid understanding of probability and statistics
• A genuine interest in financial markets and a curiosity to learn
• A willingness to adopt and utilize emerging AI technologies

We're looking for someone who is

• An entrepreneurial thinker with the ability to generate ideas, take initiative and drive innovation
• A critical problem solver and decision maker who can analyze situations, think clearly and make effective decisions
• An agile learner who is able to quickly acquire knowledge, take on feedback, adapt and apply insights across different contexts
• Able to synthesize information, resolve conflicting inputs, see the bigger picture, and translate complex information into actionable recommendations
• Collaborative and influential, able to build trust, work effectively with others and positively impact the team
• Results-focused and accountable, taking ownership and delivering outcomes reliably

Why Maven?

• Dedicated In-House Trainers: Learn through a training program designed and delivered by Maven's traders, built specifically for the Graduate Trader role. Our tailored curriculums are led by in-house experts and cover both technical and professional skills, as well as guidance on how to adopt AI best practices, which are integral to Maven's strategy and daily operations
• Accelerate Your Career: Every permanent colleague receives a dedicated learning and development budget, full access to our online learning platform, and frequent training sessions led by our Maven experts
• Proven Pathways: Benefit from our structured pipeline programs that set you up for success from day one. The majority of our Heads of Trading Desks came through this program, some in as little as 2.5 years
• Supported to Succeed: We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can perform at your best. We offer recruitment support where needed, and employee resource groups that help build community across the firm
• Grow with Guidance: Enjoy regular feedback, structured review points, and informal off-desk chats. Everyone in our Emerging Talent Programs is also paired with a Maven buddy for practical advice and day-to-day support
• Make a Real Impact, Fast: Following the initial training period, you'll be in a trading environment where you could realize your ambition to build and lead desks very early on in your career

Benefits at Maven

As a graduate joining Maven, you'll be eligible for a range of benefits, including:

• 25 days of PTO plus US national holidays, which we expect you to take
• Private medical and dental cover, eye care support, life assurance, 401k or Roth retirement plans, and an Employee Assistance Program
• An annual learning and development budget, alongside wider training and development opportunities
• Wellness benefits, including free use of the building gym and ClassPass membership
• Frequent social events, from welcome dinners and summer parties to company sports leagues and boat tours!
• Free breakfast and lunch, plus snacks and drinks throughout the day
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, fertility and partner's leave
• Work in a forward-thinking environment where AI is integral to our strategy and daily operations