Programs and Events / Citadel Securities Spark

Citadel Securities Spark

Citadel Securities Spark is a three-day program where you can experience how quantitative traders think, learn and solve problems at a leading global market maker, and take your first step toward a quantitative trading internship.

Overview

Spark is a hands-on introduction to quantitative trading at Citadel Securities. Over three days, you’ll learn how our traders and researchers use probability, data and quantitative reasoning to understand markets, evaluate risk and make decisions amid uncertainty. Then you’ll put those ideas into practice through trading games, research and modeling exercises, and an electronic trading simulation.

You don’t need prior finance or trading experience. Spark shows strong quantitative thinkers how they can apply the skills they are already developing to markets.

We offer this program to a select group of sophomores across the U.S. Spark is a direct pathway to our 2028 quantitative trading internship, with the opportunity to earn a fast-tracked offer.

Market Making & Decision-Making

  • Learn the fundamentals of market making, probability and risk
  • Use mathematical reasoning and game theory to work through trading problems
  • Make and update decisions amid uncertainty as new information and conditions emerge

Research & Modeling

  • Learn how traders and researchers turn market questions into testable ideas
  • Use real datasets to build and evaluate a model
  • Compare findings, challenge assumptions and determine what the evidence supports
  • Work with your team to translate your analysis into a clear recommendation

Trading Simulations

  • Analyze historical customer-flow data to identify patterns and opportunities
  • Turn your findings into a systematic trading strategy
  • Put your strategy to the test in an electronic trading simulation
  • Evaluate the outcome and refine your approach as market conditions change

Our Firm

  • Receive an introduction to Citadel Securities
  • Meet our senior leaders in small-group conversations and learn how they think about our business
  • Hear from and work alongside our traders and researchers
  • Learn how trading, research and technology come together to solve problems in markets
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Benefits

  • Opportunity to engage with and receive mentorship from expert traders and researchers
  • Networking with employees and like-minded students
  • Curated events and experiences in and out of the office
  • Travel stipend to and from your host location, New York City, Miami or London
  • Top-tier paid accommodation
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Qualifications and Requirements

  • Participants must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, physics, computer science or another highly quantitative field
  • Participants must be graduating in winter 2028 or spring 2029
  • Participants must be available to attend all three days of their assigned cohort
  • Participants do not need prior finance or trading experience
  • Program participation is subject to Program Terms

Location: We’ll confirm your location with your cohort assignment.
Dates: March 9–11, March 16–18 or March 23–25, 2027 (U.S.); March 30–April 1, 2027 (London).
Application Deadline: February 9, 2027 (U.S.); February 19, 2027 (London).

Spark runs in three cohorts. On your application, please indicate all the dates you are available to attend. We review applications on a rolling basis, and technical interviews for shortlisted applicants begin in January 2027. We encourage you to apply early.

Apply