Building Fast, Thinking Deep: From Intern to Full-Time Software Developer at DRW

Describe your career path and what led you to pursue a Software Developer role at DRW?

I’ve always had a passion for solving complex problems and working with technology, which led me to study maths and computer science. During university, I had the opportunity to intern at DRW over the summer of my second year. I was immediately drawn to the collaborative environment and quickly developed an interest in trading and quantitative finance. That experience sparked my curiosity about the intersection of technology and markets and ultimately led me back full-time.

Describe your role at DRW. What does a typical day look like for you? 

Every day at DRW is different, which is what makes the work so engaging. I spend most of my time writing code to support trading strategies. There’s a strong emphasis on both autonomy and collaboration.  The pace is fast, code written one day might be up and running in production the next. It's rewarding to see that kind of immediate impact.

What was the most valuable skill you learned during your internship? 

I learned how to approach open-ended problems effectively. I explored multiple solutions, weighed their pros and cons, and worked with my team to pick the best path forward. It taught me how to be both methodical and flexible—skills I use every day in my current role.

How did the tasks and projects you worked on during your internship compare to what you’re doing now in your full-time role? 

During my internship, I worked on two open-ended projects that tackled real problems. It was a great introduction to the autonomy offered at DRW. Now, in my full-time role, the projects I work on are directly tied to trading and things tend to move much more quickly.

Were there any specific moments or experiences during your internship that had a big impact on your career path? 

The most valuable experience I gained from my internship was the opportunity to dive deeper into the trading industry and really understand the type of work DRW does. This exposure solidified my interest in the industry and confirmed it is the kind of environment I wanted to be a part of long-term. This helped me make an informed choice to pursue a career at DRW.

List 3 things you wish you had known before becoming a software developer: 

• Communication is vital. Clearly explaining your thought process is just as important as writing code.

• Understanding the business context behind the problem you’re trying to solve can dramatically change the direction of your code.

• There is a lot of exploration involved, trying new things out constantly to decide what works best.

How would you describe the culture and working environment in the London office? 

The culture here is collaborative, supportive, and curious. Everyone is approachable and happy to help. It’s the kind of place where asking questions is encouraged and learning never stops.