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.

• Location: Chicago (based in London for training period) 
• Program start date: September 2027
• Application deadline: [Closing date]

• →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
• →Gain exposure to the tools and systems used on the desk

• →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
• →Gain early exposure to live trading, increasing responsibility with support
• →Receive ongoing feedback and check-ins from the Trading and Emerging Talent teams

• A final-year undergraduate or master’s student
• 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 utilise emerging AI technologies

• 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

• 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. Around a quarter of our workforce joined Maven through an Emerging Talent Program, including more than 50 of our current Traders
• 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: From the start of the program, you’ll be embedded in the trading environment and learn directly from traders. After your initial training and simulation period, you’ll transition onto a desk placement, where you’ll continue developing in the context of live market activity, with your learning connected directly to the business.

• We accept one application per candidate, per recruitment cycle
• Visa sponsorship is available for selected roles, please see our FAQ page for details

Maven is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.