Fresh Grads Wanted - Optiver Offers Final Year IT Students $215,000

KUALA LUMPUR, 6.7.2021 – Final year computer science students across New Zealand are offered up to NZ$215,000 for their first job as the worldwide demand for fresh graduates in the field is getting increasingly competitive. 

The startling offer was made by Optiver, a global financial technology company who posted a job advertisement for graduate software developers on an Auckland University jobs board. 

Image source: optiver.com

Besides the impressive starting pay, fresh graduates who work in Optiver get to enjoy working in a flat organizational structure, casual dress code, chef-made meals, and even weekly massages. 

Additionally, Optiver’s spokeswoman clarified that the pay and benefits is not exclusive to higher levels of qualification, as they are also applicable to undergraduates. 

Although there wasn’t a shortage of IT graduates in the job market, the main problem lies in finding staff and fresh graduates with skills that align with the company’s goals. 

Thus, getting into Optiver requires more than just a degree. Applicants will go through a series of tests and interviews to display the necessary skills the company needs, as well as for the company to gauge their compatibility with the team. 

“Optiver relies on the skills of our immensely talented employees who develop the algorithmic trading strategies and custom-built technology. Most of our hires are top achievers from a science, technology, engineering and mathematics background,” she added. 

Liam Scott-Russell, a final year student majoring in mathematics and computer science stated that Optiver is one of the top companies that fresh graduates apply to, despite knowing about its challenging tests and interview process. 

With the borders closed due to Covid-19, New Zealand employers are reaching out to universities to engage with and train potential candidates. 

Scott-Russell said, “One thing I have definitely noticed is employers’ outreach on the campus has gone up a lot. We are starting to get more employers holding events, talking to students and sponsoring clubs, so they can set up a pipeline to recruit talent earlier, as opposed to just hoping people apply in their final year.”