The concept of internships has existed since the 11th and 12th centuries, originally emerging in response to the booming European guild markets. Master tradesmen sought out young professionals to train, often giving them menial tasks with the hope that they would one day graduate to becoming masters of their own craft and earn better wages.
In today’s world, internships have expanded far beyond the guild markets, and now play a vital role across many sectors. At Datagum, we believe internships are essential for attracting and retaining young professionals, and we are committed to investing in new talent within the Market Data space.
When we look for the right candidates, we focus less on ticking all the conventional boxes, especially in terms of qualifications or experience. Instead, we place great emphasis on attitude and potential. We value candidates who exhibit a "sponge-like" mentality — a strong desire to learn, adapt, and grow. While they may not yet have the technical expertise or background of a traditional data scientist, their enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to absorb new knowledge are qualities that we find most valuable. We believe that attitude trumps everything, and with the right mindset, we can guide and nurture talent, helping them develop the skills needed to thrive in the Market Data industry.
We believe an internship should not just be about promoting Datagum, but also about immersing interns in the wider world of Market Data, showcasing its dynamism and vibrancy. The industry may be seen as complex and niche, with a traditional focus on legacy systems, but we aim to showcase its dynamic evolution and fast-paced nature, opening interns' eyes to its vast potential and exciting future.
Below, we outline the key elements that drive successful internships, both for businesses and for interns:
Meaningful Responsibilities
We believe our interns should be given more than just menial tasks; they should be entrusted with meaningful responsibilities. Once we recruit the right intern, we recognise they have much to offer, particularly when their enthusiasm and energy are at their peak. This is why we give them ownership of projects almost from the outset. We ensure that this responsibility grows as we mentor and guide them through their learning process. While tasks like minute-taking are important, they are not the core focus or purpose of the internship.
Comprehensive Training
Training and developing young professionals is essential, and this should take multiple forms. Based on our experience, one crucial form is classroom-based training. To support this, we have developed a bespoke training programme led by our market data professionals. Our interns receive a comprehensive introduction to Market Data and its various intricacies, allowing them to understand how the different elements of the industry interact. Additionally, we provide the technical training necessary to help them understand the technology used, how to apply it, and why it matters. We also support our interns through the FiSD exam. The benefits of this support are twofold: it provides a strong foundation of knowledge to progress in Market Data and equips them with an official qualification.
Immersive Industry Experience
We believe an internship should not just be about promoting Datagum, but also about immersing interns in the wider world of Market Data. The best way for us to do this is by offering a hands-on experience and making them feel part of our team. Leadership accessibility is key, allowing interns to gain insights into our operations. A great example of this is our summer internship programme, where we take interns on tours of major institutions, such as Bloomberg, LSE, and Fidelity, providing them with a firsthand look at our industry.
At Datagum, we are committed to providing internships that are both enriching and impactful, ensuring our interns are well-prepared for successful careers in Market Data.
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