FutureFocus: Tech, Quants
Date: March 16, 2026 - March 27, 2026
Location: Chicago
Applications are open
The Tech track runs March 23–27, 2026, and the Quant track is offered March 16–20 and March 23–27, 2026.
Applicants may apply to both FutureFocus Quants and FutureFocus Tech but will only go through one interview process.
Five days to shape your future.
Discover what a career at a leading trading firm could look like.
Curious about what trading and tech really look like behind the scenes?
FutureFocus is an exclusive educational program designed to give students a hands-on preview into life at Optiver. Across five days of learning, problem-solving, and fast-paced challenges, you’ll sharpen your skills, expand your perspective, and explore how technology and quantitative thinking power financial markets.
And for top performers, it’s more than an introduction. It’s a chance to earn a fast-tracked internship offer for Summer 2027.
Your week at a glance
Learning and skill development
Hands-on learning: Apply what you learn through interactive workshops and exercises that connect theory to real-world market dynamics.
Quant Track (Trading and Research): Get a preview into the fundamentals of trading through interactive lectures with our dedicated trader development team. Apply your knowledge through trading games and algorithm design contests, and get one-on-one time with our traders and researchers through desk shadows. You’ll also take part in research workshops that simulate the day-to-day work of a quant researcher in a trading environment.
“The trading games were dynamic, challenging, and a great way to see what the role is really like,” shared one past participant.
Tech Track: Get a first-hand look at how engineers solve complex problems–from building low-latency systems to optimizing trading performance. Through hands-on coding exercises, you’ll see how technology directly impacts trading decisions and market efficiency.
“I loved seeing how technology powers every decision on the trading floor,” said another participant.
Networking and culture
- Learn from Optiver’s traders, engineers, and educators, all deeply invested in your growth.
- Connect with peers who share your curiosity and drive.
- Take a tour of the Chicago office and join Q&A’s with our leadership.
- Experience Optiver’s collaborative culture both in and beyond the office, from team dinners to informal networking events.
“For the week that I was there, I was treated like an actual intern. It was amazing. The teaching was high-quality, and the people were so welcoming,” shared one past participant.
Life in Chicago
We’ll take care of your travel and accommodation so you can focus on learning. Outside the office, enjoy the energy of the city, and experience life in Chicago, home to Optiver’s U.S. headquarters and one of the world’s most dynamic financial hubs.
“From shadowing traders to dinner at Sushi San, every moment gave me a deeper look at Optiver’s culture,” shared one participant.
Hear from past participants
“The pace was intense, but it made me realize how much I could learn in just one week.”
“I loved shadowing traders—it was the best way to see the job in action.”
“It was super fast-paced but incredibly rewarding. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Who can apply?
To join FutureFocus Chicago, you should:
- Be graduating Winter 2027-Spring 2029 for the Quant track, or Winter 2027-Spring 2028 for the Tech track
- Be enrolled at a university in the U.S. or Canada
- Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Be able to attend in-person, in full during the dates listed above
- No prior finance knowledge required
