As a way of background, I work in the "front office" with the traders and algo developers. I have worked at Virtu for several years and know the company as well as anybody else at the firm.
What I can say about the firm: quite simply, I wouldn't work anywhere else or for anyone else after working at Virtu. I have heard others at the firm say similar things, so my opinion is not just some rogue opinion. I would call Virtu a very unique space in finance -- nothing like working at a bank. Closer to a start-up, but more grounded, aggressive, mature, and results driven.
The People
Virtu is extremely successful in the electronic trading space, but you would never guess it from talking to the people -- egos are pretty much non-existent. Everybody is bright, humble, hard working, and down to earth. Most are from a top school and have advanced degrees in engineering, math, computer science and/or physics. People are extremely motivated and independently capable -- not a lot of hand holding is required/goes on at Virtu. People who are trustworthy and genuinely good people (in addition to having substantial intellectual horsepower) are the ones who typically progress through the interview process and get hired.
As for the environment, management frequently rotates traders through different markets, so nobody "owns" a market or a strategy, which requires traders to be collaborative and focused on growing the firm as a whole, rather than one's own "pnl." Traders work with several developers at a time, so there is a constant cross pollination of ideas. The structure is extremely flat, so political BS is pretty minimal. Just come in, do your best, and then go home (late).
The Work
While there are responsibilities assigned from higher ups (which can be quite onerous at times) and some other constraints, in general, traders are relatively free to explore markets. Trading is stressful (not for the faint of heart), but is very interesting. The landscape of the world’s markets is changing quickly, so trading ideas must constantly be reconsidered and refined. Every day brings a new problem / opportunity.
The Management
The management is a small group of individuals who are leaders in the field of electronic trading. They are in direct contact with every trader/developer almost on a daily basis. Management actually cares about both your personal as well as professional growth. They are extremely supportive, but also very demanding. Extremely so. Virtu is NOT a 9-5 shop. Average work days are > 12 hours per day, and it is expected.
Virtu demands "excellence" and that "excellence" is what every trader / developer seeks to attain on a daily basis. For those who have not yet been indoctrinated, "excellence" is working as virtuously, responsibly, rigorously, courageously, and precisely as possible. A job is not done unless it is perfect. It is holding yourself to a higher standard than you ever thought possible. At times, they may go overboard with the "excellence" mantra, but for the most part, the right balance is achieved to set the tone for the firm.
In addition to focusing on growing Virtu internally, management is always seeking to branch out into new markets, new opportunities, etc. You feel like they are working for you just as much as you are working for them. Not every decision that they make is perfect (and this is a source of frustration to some), but the amount of ground they have covered in such a short time demonstrates that they are here to push this company to new levels and are capable of making just about anything happen.
As mentioned in an earlier post, yes, management will celebrate a good day/goal achieved with the team with some bad vodka or some bad American beer. ;) If your palate is accustomed to only cristal/dom, this is not the place for you. Management is a bunch of down to Earth, charismatic, youthful guys who want to make as much progress in the electronic trading space as humanly possible.
Sky's the Limit
Opportunity. Your own growth is dictated, for the most part, by you. Virtu is structured to allow every person to reach his/her potential. If you desire to succeed, are smart, are a good, humble person, and can put in the time, you will succeed at Virtu. If you want to trade a specific asset class, you probably can given the right work ethic. "Slow starters" are moved around to different areas to find one that "fits."
As I alluded to above, the organization is extremely flat; there is no "ladder" to climb. Those who are the most "successful" are the ones who come in everyday and who take on more and more each day, pushing the firm forward.
Other pros:
Catered meals, fully stocked kitchens (food doesn’t rotate often, so can get boring), gym facilities in some offices, snacks (yes, Ostrim), nice offices, latest technology, protein bars, free haircuts/laundry in some offices, and offices around the world.
