Graduate Trader Program Chicago 2027

Join Maven Securities' Graduate Trader Program and launch your career in options market making. This selective program combines 11 weeks of structured training in London with hands-on desk placements in Chicago, designed to prepare you for a dedicated trading role. You'll learn from Maven's in-house trainers and traders, developing the technical foundations, trading judgment, and risk understanding needed to succeed in options derivatives markets.

What you'll do

• 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 trading desk

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

What you bring

• Final-year undergraduate or master's student status
• 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 mindset with the ability to generate ideas, take initiative and drive innovation
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills, able to analyse situations and make effective choices
• Agility as a learner, able to quickly acquire knowledge, take feedback, adapt and apply insights across different contexts
• The ability to synthesize information, resolve conflicting inputs, see the bigger picture and translate complex information into actionable recommendations
• Collaborative and influential approach, able to build trust, work effectively with others and positively impact the team
• Results-focused and accountable mindset, taking ownership and delivering outcomes reliably

What we offer

• Total compensation of $150k-$200k
• 11-week structured training program in London with in-house trainers and traders
• Desk placement in Chicago following training
• Travel, accommodation and relocation support to transition to Chicago
• Dedicated learning and development budget
• 25 days of PTO plus US national holidays
• Private medical and dental cover, eye care support, life assurance and 401k or Roth retirement plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Consideration for a discretionary annual bonus
• Wellness benefits including free gym access and ClassPass membership
• Daily breakfast in the office and lunch allowance, plus snacks and drinks throughout the day
• Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, fertility and partner's leave
• Frequent social events and company activities
• Visa sponsorship available for selected roles
• A buddy system pairing you with a Maven mentor for practical advice and day-to-day support
• Access to an online learning platform and frequent training sessions led by Maven experts

About Maven Securities

Maven Securities is a leading proprietary trading firm specializing in options and derivatives market making. The firm leverages sophisticated technology and quantitative analysis to trade global financial markets. Around a quarter of Maven's workforce joined through Emerging Talent Programs, including over 50 current traders.