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

💡 Key Takeaway: DRW offers a high-impact environment where developers can quickly see the results of their work. The culture emphasizes collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning, while internships provide real-world, open-ended problem-solving experiences that prepare individuals for full-time roles in trading technology.

Career Path: How Prem Became a Software Developer at DRW

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

I’ve always been passionate about solving complex problems with technology, which led me to study maths and computer science. During university, I had the opportunity to intern at DRW in London over the summer of my second year.

That internship was my first exposure to trading technology, and I was drawn to the fast pace and collaborative culture. I discovered how software development directly impacts trading strategies and market outcomes. That experience confirmed I wanted to pursue a career in trading technology, and ultimately led me back to DRW full-time.

Life at DRW: A Typical Day as a Software Developer

What does your role at DRW look like day to day?

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.

Life at DRW: Internship Experience: Valuable Skills Gained

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.

From Intern to Full-Time: How the Work Evolves

How did your internship projects compare to 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.

Experiences that shaped a career path

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.

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.