Trader Intern

Summer Trader Internship 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 summer internship is designed for a small number of high-potential students each year, combining structured training and practical exposure. We don’t hire large classes with the expectation that only a few will succeed, we invest in every individual who joins the program. 

Program details

• Location: Chicago 
• Program start date: June 2027

Base salary: $110k pro-rated 

Join a structured 9-week training internship in our Chicago office, designed to give you a practical introduction to options market making. The program starts with options theory and progresses into trading simulation and mock trading, helping you build the core foundations of a Trader. You’ll also gain exposure to different desks through shadowing and project work. 

Throughout the internship, you’ll be assessed on your performance and development. Successful interns may be considered for a place on our Graduate Trader Program the following year. 

What you will be doing

• Learn the foundations of options market making; we don’t assume prior knowledge
• Build your understanding of pricing, probability and risk
• You’ll spend most of your Internship on trading simulation, with classroom-based training to prepare for this in your first 2-3 weeks
• Use the same tools that our Traders use - or opt to build your own - and see the same trades that are currently going through in the live market

How and what you will learn

• Progress through a structured internship 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
• Take part in additional sessions such as macroeconomics, technical training and desk shadowing to further develop your learning
• Receive ongoing feedback and check-ins from the Trading and Emerging Talent teams

Who you are:

Key criteria

• A penultimate 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

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: motivated to take on risk and made decisions with uncertainty and partial information

Why Maven?

• Dedicated In-House Trainers: Learn through a training program designed and delivered by Maven’s Traders, built specifically for the Summer Trader Internship. Our tailored curriculums are led by in-house experts and clever 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: Maven is growing quickly and we’ll give you opportunities to learn from mistakes and try new things; your curiosity to learn is part of our growth story. Plus, as an Intern, you can jump-start your Maven career by being considered for a full-time Graduate Trader role 
• 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
• We invest in you: From the start of the internship, you’ll be immersed in a simulated trading environment and learn directly from Traders. Throughout, you’ll gain practical insight into how our desks operate and have the opportunity to demonstrate your potential for the Graduate Trader Program

Please note:

• 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.

Benefits at Maven

As an intern joining Maven, you’ll be eligible for a range of benefits, including:

• Free breakfast and lunch, plus snacks and drinks throughout the day
• Frequent cohort-specific and office-wide social events, from welcome dinners and summer parties to company sports leagues and boat tours!
• Wellbeing support, including access to our Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness benefits, including free use of the building gym and ClassPass membership
• The option of either $5,000 or accommodation costs paid for by Maven for the summer
• Work in a forward-thinking environment where AI is integral to our strategy and daily operations