How did your university studies influence your move into Trading?
I started with a physics and mathematics degree at the University of Western Australia. I had always enjoyed mathematics but was still determining my career path. Then, a friend introduced me to stocks during my first year, leading me to open a personal trading account. Captivated by trading, I switched my majors to mathematics and finance and never looked back. This alignment of my interests naturally led me to pursue a career in the industry.

How was relocating to Sydney for work?
I lived in Perth before moving to Sydney for work. VivCourt’s relocation package covered initial accommodation costs and flights, simplifying the move. Social events during the grad program provided opportunities to make friends. Relocation is easier than you think; getting to know Sydney is a fun experience, and VivCourt and colleagues offer lots of support.

Which desk did you join post-program, and how has your role evolved since?
Post-program, I joined the Hong Kong options desk, initially focusing on learning systems, in-depth options theory, and trading specifics. As I became more comfortable, I contributed by enhancing the autotrader, conducting research, and collaborating with other teams. With experience, my role evolved from maintaining strategy operations to generating ideas and implementing improvements. Since then I’ve also been involved in recruiting and teaching.

Advice for university students wanting to pursue a trading career?
One of the best things you can do at university is join an industry-relevant club. I founded Quantitative Finance UWA, which allowed me to get relevant experience. I would also recommend building a portfolio showcasing your projects on a personal website – it’s an exciting hobby and an effective way to present your work to potential employers.

What makes trading a fascinating career for you?
The number of different areas of academia it brings together, like financial markets, statistics, machine learning and some basic scripting skills. At VivCourt, there is plenty of interdisciplinary collaboration and opportunities to fit right into the niche you find most interesting!