From 4U Maths to Quant Trading - Q&A with IMC (1 Viewer)

[IMC Trading]

Many people are concerned about the change in climate (which is being demonstrated with the 2025 unusually severe windy weather in Sydney). Is Quant Trading environmentally friendly, and are there any goals to to minimising emissions or reaching a total output of emissions to 0 (predictions by computers are sure to use up a lot of power).

When hiring employees, you hire graduates based on their skills in mathematics. How do you assess these skills (as different universities may have different exam difficulties and competitiveness)?

I am considering a degree in physics (secondary education) or perhaps mathematics secondary education/actuarial mathematics (UNSW) or even mechanical engineering. If I do study one or more of these disciplines and decide that I want to work in IMC, are the chances of being hired still likely?

Also, what specific mathematics courses are preferred from graduates?

Thank you.

At IMC, we’re proud to be involved in a wide range of initiatives that contribute to our broader social impact. You can explore some of the work we’re doing globally via our website: IMC Positive Impact

When applying for a role at IMC, candidates will go through our recruitment process, which includes assessments designed to help us understand whether your skillset aligns with the demands of the role. These tests are an important part of ensuring both a good fit and a rewarding experience for you at IMC.

While we don't prioritise one specific degree over another, we do tend to see strong performance from students with STEM-related backgrounds, as the skills developed in those fields often align well with our roles.

 

[Trebla]

It is now the final week that we will keep this thread open for questions to IMC. If you have any lingering questions in your mind that haven't been answered already, this is your last chance to ask before the thread closes!

For round 3 of our giveaway, IMC have decided to give away a t-shirt + cap + beach towel combo. The t-shirt comes in unisex sizes S/M/L. Once again, they have kindly provided us a picture of them below:

... and now here is the third problem!

QUESTION 3

Two political parties (A and B) are deciding on which issue to campaign on during the election. Each party is aiming to get the largest possible percentage increase in its own primary vote given the campaign issue of the other party.

Independent analysts have estimated how each party’s primary vote percentage would change based on the combination of issues the two parties choose to campaign on at the same time. The possible issues are Economy, Healthcare and Education.

The table below shows the estimated percentage point change in primary vote for each party represented as (A’s change in primary vote, B’s change in primary vote):



For example:

• If A campaigns on the Economy whilst B campaigns on Education, then A will lose 1% in its primary vote whilst B will gain 3% in its primary vote. This is represented as (-1%, +3%).
• If both A and B campaign on the Economy, then A will gain 3% in its primary vote and B will gain 2% in its primary vote. This is represented as (+3%, +2%).

(a) If A chooses to campaign on Healthcare first, what should B campaign on in response to this to maximise its gain in primary vote?
(b) Suppose that each party can constantly change their campaign issue in response to the other party’s choice to maximise their gain in primary vote percentage points. Find the issue that each party will eventually end their campaign on after responding to the other party’s choice. Carefully explain your answer in full (step-by-step), including why it is the only pair of issues they will end their campaign on.

A reminder of the rules and instructions:

INSTRUCTIONS AND RULES FOR EACH ROUND

• To be eligible for the giveaway, you must PM me your solution here typed up with full reasoning that is clear and easy for me to follow without ambiguity
• You can only use concepts/terminology up to and including HSC Maths Ext2 level. Concepts used beyond that level (e.g. uni level Maths) will not be accepted.
• First user to PM me the right answers to all parts (and assessed to have clear reasoning for them) will receive instructions to get the merch prize posted to them
• Only your first message to me will be accepted in each round

 

[Flatuitous]

dropped the problem right as I'm pulling an all nighter to finish chem