IMC Launchpad Guide
Understand the qualifications and background you need to land IMC's Launchpad program.
Introduction
IMC's Launchpad is a dynamic, fast-paced 2 day program for pre-penultimate students looking for early exposure to quantitative finance. As an attendee, you will understand the different career pathways at IMC, engage in various quantitative activities, and take on real-world challenges in a simulated environment.
This guide will take you through IMC's values and work culture, the prerequisites, and IMC's Launchpad interview process. We will also provide you with resources and advice to help boost your application, with the aim of maximising your chances to secure admission into this program!
About IMC
IMC Financial Markets, more commonly known as IMC Trading, is a proprietary trading firm and globally renowned market maker for various financial instruments listed on exchanges throughout the world. Founded in 1989 at the floor of the Equity Options Exchange, two founders employed cutting edge technology to disrupt several global exchanges.
Fast forward to 36 years later - IMC employs 1500 people in six locations globally, including Chicago, Amsterdam, Sydney, London, Zug, and Mumbai.
Your Background
In order to be considered for an interview for IMC's Launchpad program, you must meet the following prerequisites:
- Are enrolled in a STEM, finance or economics programme at university
- Are in a pre-penultimate year of your degree (i.e. at least 2 years away from graduation)
- Interest in working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
- Have a strong willingness to learn and a desire to solve complex problems
To be competitive within the interview process, consider the following qualifications:
- Experience in competitive and strategic environments to a high/professional standard
- Advanced quantitative, logical, and problem solving skills
- High GPA within your degree
Please note that these are a few attributes that would be beneficial to improve your chances of landing a position within IMC Launchpad's programme. There are multiple other experiences/qualifications that will also be beneficial, but the qualities from these attributes are highly valued at pre-penultimate programs.
Your Application
IMC's Launchpad application structure can be quite overwhelming for pre-penultimate students, especially those who have never applied to quantitative finance firms before. Therefore, it is imperative to study the application process to get a competitive advantage (congrats if you are reading this!).
You will be asked to fill out a range of questions, including your degree, your GPA, your graduation date, your resume, and so on.
The main focus is on your resume, which will contain your:
- Career objectives and overview
- Area of study and academic performance
- Experience and projects
- Extracurricular/competitive achievements
- Characteristics and interests
It is important you structure your resume correctly. We recommend a platform such as resume.io to assist you with building your resume.
Round 1: Online Assessments
After you submit your application, you should recieve an online assessment link anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. You are given one week to complete multiple online assessments.
The online assessments you will need to take varies based on your office location and year of application. We recommend you practice all possible online assessments listed below:
APAC Region
In the APAC region, you will be sent a link to answer three technical questions, and three behavioural questions. However, instead of writing your answers, you will have 3 minutes to answer each question within a video recorded portal.
For the technical component, the questions are quite simple. However, the main focus here is for the recruiter to understand your ability to communicate your thought process, and reach an answer. As such, it is imperative you speak clearly and effectively. The questions asked are similar to our brainteasers and probability interview questions, filtering for 'easy'.
For the behavioural component, you will be asked about certain experiences or characteristics about yourself. We recommend reviewing the general and background questions in our most important quantitative finance questions guide. It is imperative that you speak clearly and honestly about who you as a person, your experiences, and your personality traits.
Amsterdam/US Region
In these regions, IMC's online assessments may vary. Typically, the trading stream comprises of the same online assessment as APAC, however the technology stream may include a hackerrank question.
For the technology stream, you will have to solve a programming question in a language of your choice, typically involving object-oriented programming. You may be asked to use a specific algorithm, such as BFS or binary search, or come up with an innovative solution yourself. A few examples include Maximum Drawdown, Compound Interest, and Dijkstra.
Round 2: HR Interview
If you progress to this round, then congratulations! You're one step closer to joining IMC in their Launchpad program.
In the HR interview, you will discuss over the phone with a member of IMC's HR team your qualifications, background, and skills, as well as your motivations for applying and cultural fit with the firm.
The following are types of questions that you may encounter in an HR Interview:
1. General Questions
General questions regarding your motivations, values, personality, and work style allow the interviewer to further understand how you will integrate into the work environment.
You can see examples of these types of questions in our common general questions list.
2. Background Questions
These questions dive into your previous work experience, projects, and education to get a better understanding of how you qualify for the role.
To see these types of questions, view common background questions.
This interview section is very overlooked. Make sure you deeply understand the IMC's values and mission (as described above) before going into the interview.
Also, be confident and authentic, and prepare your experience and projects in an orgnaised and professional way.
APAC Region
If you are in the APAC Region, this is your final round interview. If you pass this interview, then congratulations! You have made it to IMC's Launchpad!
Final Round: Technical Interview
You've made it so far! Congrats. In your final round, you will be asked a range of technical questions, from probability, to brainteasers, to market dynamics.
The technical round will vary based on whether you applied for the trading/research stream, or technology stream:
Trading/Research Stream
The technical interview for trading/research will consist of interview questions, brainteasers, risk management, market making, and more. You can view a detailed explanation in our IMC Trading Interview Guide.
Technology Stream
The technical interview for the technology stream is a combination of technical knowledge and programming questions. You may be asked to create a programming solution for a problem, optimise your online assessment solution, or be quizzed on general computer science/ software engineering questions.
Closing Remarks
The first step to making it into IMC's Launchapd program is understanding it's interview process holistically. By virtue of you reading this very line, you have already gained a competitive advantage over most applicants.
To gain an even further advantage in the interview process, it is imperative that you start preparing early and stay consistent in your preparation. Many applicants fail to delegate adequate time for interview preparation, or overlook interview preparation in general, leading to failing throughout the interview process.
For competitive positions, knowing how to interview is super important. Please understand, quantitative finance is a competitive industry, with only a select few that will fill in positions. To stand out, and maximise your chances of securing a seat at IMC's Launchpad program, you must prepare early.
Further, if you feel that you're in too bad of a position to apply, the biggest mistake you can do is not apply! You miss all opportunities that you do not take.
Overall, participating in IMC's Launchpad program is fun, intriguing, and fulfilling. With enough preparation and knowledge, you will be well-positioned to crack the interview process, and land the position.
