My Trayport

Ed

Development

Aija

Testing

Akash

Trading Solutions

Ed - Development

I began my academic career in the Arts, completing a degree in History and Ancient History at Reading University in 1996. In 2000, I decided to rethink my career path and actively pursue my interest in computers. Having made the decision, I enrolled on an MSc in Computing Science at Imperial College London which supported the ambitions of Arts graduates who wished to cross over into IT. It was the right move, and after finding programming in C++ and Java the most absorbing aspect of my course, I fixed my sights on becoming a software developer.

Trayport were exhibiting at a graduate fair, and advertising an opportunity for a Graduate C++ Engineer. I applied, with the knowledge that they were a small, successful software house with a robust product that was widely used in the energy markets. As soon as I walked into their offices I had a good feeling about both the company and the role.

I joined Trayport in 2001, where I started with gaining knowledge of how the product was deployed, configured and supported. Once I’d experienced the challenges of being first-line support for a real-time Trading System, I moved into development to work on the product itself full time.

Before long I took the lead in a customer driven project where I was responsible for integrating GlobalVision with a Clearing House. The project led to more responsibility where I was given the remit of taking forward a new product that was targeted towards Traders rather than Brokers. The product, which became known as “Trading Gateway”, underpins the Trader Systems Business - where I’m a senior developer today.

Over the six years I’ve been at Trayport my role has changed considerably. The first three years were focused mainly on improving my core role as a software developer, delivering features and diagnosing and fixing bugs. Since then I have branched into more diverse roles such as mentoring new joiners, recruitment, release management and now leading a team of developers.

I’m currently leading the development team of the Trader Systems Business, and I am finding that managing people presents an entirely different set of challenges to those of writing software. Adapting to this change has been a great learning experience. I now gain satisfaction from running an enthusiastic team and look forward to seeing us develop a suite of products that create further opportunity for expansion and new responsibilities within the business.

My experience at Trayport has always been exciting and challenging. I’ve seen the company increase from ten to a hundred staff, open offices in the US and Asia, successfully launch new products and expand into new markets. It has been a real pleasure to play a part in the company’s growth and success and to feel that I’ve made a difference.

Aija - Testing

Having graduated in Computer Science from Ventspils University in Latvia, I continued my education in Riga and studied a Masters in Mathematics. On completion I was keen to get involved with a challenging testing role and looked at various opportunities in London.

My initial weeks at Trayport were spent developing a wider understanding of the company and meeting people across the business. I felt part of the team immediately and working with intelligent, experienced people, who are all keen to share their knowledge, has given me a great opportunity to continue learning.

I’ve been with Trayport since September 2007, and in the first four months was involved in two different testing projects, which has given me the chance to develop new skills almost every day. Working as part of such a strong team has given me the support and guidance I need to keep my career progressing.

The growth of Trayport brings with it exciting new challenges and opportunities. I can already see my responsibilities expanding in the future, allowing me to become actively involved in the success of Trayport.

I have relished the opportunities that I have been given at Trayport, and I can really see that the company does truly care for its employees. Aside from the day to day work, I have also enjoyed the social aspects of working here, including having recently been away with the entire company for a weekend in Barcelona. I’m looking forward to a successful future at Trayport!

Akash - Trading Solutions

After completing a Computer Science degree at Imperial College London in 2005, I felt ready to embrace the ‘real world’ and began looking for a company that was well established, dynamic and that offered real potential. I focused my attention on finding a company that operated primarily in the financial sector, and a role where I could use my technical skills, and combine these with my ability to interact well with people.

Having spent a substantial amount of time looking for the ideal role I came across Trayport via a recruitment website, and after conducting further research into the company, I was really interested in their line of business. What I found particularly appealing was Trayport’s strong focus on profitability and people welfare including dedicating time and resources to social events.

On joining, I found the working environment very open, friendly and welcoming, and the team spirit was apparent from the start. From day one I was assigned a “buddy” (an experienced member of the team), who worked closely with me on my day to day responsibilities. In addition, the induction scheme was highly beneficial and provided me with the opportunity to not only meet with the company Directors, but also spend time with the wider business to help further my understanding of Trayport’s markets and products.

On completing my induction programme after six months my responsibilities grew quickly. I found myself dealing with client queries, managing the help desk and assisting others with on-going project work. As I continued to develop my role and gain experience, I began managing my own client projects, which included client visits across Europe to discuss project requirements and to provide product training.

I was selected as the first member of the Trading Solutions team to join the Exchange Business Unit, following Trayport’s strategic decision to focus the company into three dedicated business units. My involvement in the business-critical New Zealand Stock Exchange project, in which I played an integral role in delivering and deploying the software to the client, allowed me to broaden my responsibilities further. During this time I also gained a wider perspective on the project lifecycle and understanding of the financial markets.

Having been given the opportunity to develop my career within Trayport, I have continued to expand my role to include demonstrating Trayport’s software to prospective clients, in-depth project management, consulting on product development reviews, and interviewing new graduates!

Over the past two years my role has significantly evolved, and I have gained invaluable experience, which has enhanced my project management, technical and business related skills. My goal is to focus on becoming an expert in the exchange markets and to continue making a valuable contribution to Trayport.