What is your day to day job?

Oliver: above all, we work with our colleagues on the trading floor, developing their pricing tools and covering their activities. More specifically, the work is made up of a number of steps which range from the conceptual and theoretical to the introduction of these tools onto the trading floor, after passing through the intermediary high-tech development phase.

Raphael: I should add that these tools have to be highly versatile and flexible. Versatility is the key word when conceptualising new software. It has to exactly correspond to the needs of the traders and be able to adapt to any change in market activity. Thus it is often necessary to develop such software within the service, as delays which could occur from carrying out this process externally would result in a great loss of efficiency. A further vitally important part of the job is explaining to the market operators, how the new software and models actually work.

Oliver: moreover, we work in conjunction with the traders, who help us a great deal, as they have direct experience of market activity. Their co-operation is essential as the more we can find out about the market and the needs of the traders, the better and more efficient the model becomes.

Luke: the element of teamwork is also valuable as regards systems engineering. Even if we each have highly autonomous roles, the tools, which are developed, are the result of an exchange of ideas amongst ourselves. It is important that we pool our resources and talents: if there is any doubt on a technical point, there is always a specialist at hand to offer advice.

What are the main attractions of this job?

Oliver: one of the main attractions of being a systems engineer is that the areas in which we deal are highly diverse. We have to use all of our theoretical knowledge, whether or not it is linked to financial engineering in particular.

Raphael: it is an intellectually stimulating position because of the various skills we are constantly using, notably those regarding the different aspects of Information Technology and Applied Mathematics (Numerical calculations, parallel calculus). It is a real position of responsibility.

What are the required qualities for this position?

Oliver: our job, above all, is a technical job. The tools and systems we develop are highly complex; thus a high level of technical knowledge in mathematics and computing is required. We recruit graduates who have a technical or mathematical background (for example from technical engineering schools). Having completed a relevant internship, which focuses upon applied mathematics or information technology, is important. Similarly one should possess pedagogical managerial skills in regard to the interns and young employees. Indeed the ability to perform under pressure and being well organised is similarly vital.

Raphael: aside from the technical aspects of the job, I would add that one has to be very thorough with excellent organisational skills. For example if a trader calls because of a problem with the system, which may prove very costly, we may have to drop our project and meet the demands of the trader. It is a question of analysing what is most important so that we can best meet demands. When working with the Market Operators, I would say that self-confidence, interpersonal skills and courage are hugely important.

Luke: it is also necessary to operate autonomously, carrying out your own tasks, without waiting for your superior to tell you what to do. Reacting quickly and efficiently to the traders needs - this is essential.

What is the career path of a Market Systems Engineer?

Oliver: the classic career evolution often involves becoming a trader in one of the main financial capitals, or we can consolidate our technical experiences by staying within a technical service such as Risk Management, Research and Development or another technical engineering team. We may wish to go into General Inspection, where we undertake an internal auditing role, whilst learning about other activities within the bank. Opportunities corresponding to our talents and our wishes will undoubtedly arise. In a general sense, it is possible to evolve into any of a wide range of possible banking activities.

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