From Art to Code: A Creative Journey into Software Engineering

Can you describe your career path and what led you to pursue a software engineering role at DRW?

When I started college, I thought I was going to major in something like graphic design or fine arts. Pretty early on I took a class where we used code to programmatically generate art and I was intrigued by the puzzle-like challenge of coding which drove me to change my major to CS. I followed that with a masters in CS at Trinity College Dublin with a focus on 3D graphics and gaming. When I graduated, there weren’t many jobs in the gaming industry in Ireland, so I started working in a front-end engineering role where I still had the visual aspect to focus on. In 2023, I made the move to London, drawn in by my friend’s enthusiasm about DRW and the opportunity to work in a faster paced environment.

Describe a typical day for you in your role.

At DRW, every day brings new challenges and opportunities. My team, UP - Front End, focuses on developing internal tools which are crucial for traders, risk managers, finance teams, and operations. Our daily work involves integrating APIs to send and receive data and presenting this information in ways that maximise value. We start each day with a team sync to discuss progress, address any roadblocks and challenges. The rest of my day is typically spent coding, problem-solving, and collaborating with team members. We're constantly working to enhance the user experience, making our tools smoother and faster. When I complete a project, I usually demo it to the product team and stakeholders for feedback before release. It's a dynamic and enjoyable environment where we're always pushing to improve and innovate.

What specific tools, programming languages and technologies do you use regularly to succeed in your role at DRW?

We leverage cutting-edge technologies to remain at the forefront of financial markets. Our primary tools are JavaScript and React, which allow us to build robust and responsive front-end applications. We also utilise an in-house component library which ensures consistency across our applications and allows for rapid development and deployment of new features.

What are some of the key challenges you face in your role?

One of the most significant challenges, which is something I truly appreciate in my role, is the level of autonomy we're given. We're trusted to make crucial decisions about technologies and problem-solving approaches. This responsibility pushes us to stay current with the latest developments in our field and to think critically about every solution we implement. The fast-paced nature of our work means we're constantly shifting gears and tackling new problems. While this can be demanding, it also means our work stays fresh and engaging.

As we celebrate 30 years of our London office, what do you enjoy most about its culture?

I've found DRW to be refreshingly different. From day one, I've been surrounded by colleagues who are not only incredibly intelligent and skilled but also genuinely supportive and eager to collaborate. The opportunity to work alongside such driven and talented individuals is highly motivating. This culture of mutual support and shared ambition is, in my opinion, what sets DRW apart and makes it such an exciting place to build a career.

How would you describe the atmosphere and environment of the London office?

I love the London office! The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed and really feels like a perfect balance between professionalism and comfort. And let's not forget about the perks - the snack game here is strong!