10/05/2021
Want to start your career using one of the most important technologies in Big Data and Finance? Working in kdb+ is the opportunity you’re looking for.
kdb+ is a programming language and integrated database for big data. Built to handle huge amounts of data, it’s used by the likes of Red Bull Formula 1 Racing Team and the top investment banks to store, analyze, process, and retrieve large data sets at lightning speed. Big data is the life-blood of so many industries and kdb+ is at the cutting edge of this space.
Banks use kdb+ to manage the terabytes of data that are created by high-frequency trading. It’s referred to as the ‘hottest coding language in finance’, and offers a great opportunity for graduates who are looking to start a career in technology.
"Think about data in a bank like water in a house. It enters in a big pipe and then goes around the house to the kitchen taps, the washing machine, dishwasher, bathrooms. As a kdb+ Engineer, you’re like a plumber. You’re fixing leaks and making sure everyone has the water they need."
- Luke, kdb+ Expert and Wiley Edge Academy Trainer
Haven’t heard of kdb+ before? Most graduates haven’t. Even though it’s in high demand, it’s rarely taught at university. This means people who work in the area are highly sought after, making it a massive area of opportunity for graduates starting careers in tech.
It’s also used in lots of different areas in the financial world including equities, FX and commodities. This exposes you to a variety of different asset classes, giving you a broad understanding of finance and the role technology plays at banks.
When you work in this field, you’ll develop a transferable skill set. Not only will this mean you’re in demand – it could help you pivot to other career opportunities in computing and programming too.
There’s often a mixture of fixing technical issues and working on longer-term projects.
This involves:
"I enjoy that feeling you get when you write a piece of code and it works! Tackling a problem that a user has, taking a concept from just an idea and bringing it to life, then seeing it being used daily, for me, that is the best part of the whole job!"
- Suzanne, Wiley Edge Alumni and kdb+ Developer at an investment bank
Complete our three-step assessment process
Join our Alumni graduate program and get trained at our virtual Academy
We hire you as an employee and then work to place you with one of our clients for a fixed term
At the end of the program, 90% of graduates convert to permanent employees with the client
Theory and Background of q/kdb+
You’ll start the course by learning what q/kdb+ is. You’ll learn about functional and vector programming and stream processing. We cover how and why kdb+ is used at an investment bank and the pros/cons.
q Basics and Syntax
Next, you’ll complete a number of tasks that involve writing and submitting code to learn basics (operators, functions, syntax) in q/kdb+. Scripts are automatically checked and marked on performance/memory usage.
Tables, queries and qSQL
By now you’re creating, updating and querying tables in kdb+ to build familiarity with the in-built query language qSQL. Also focusing on appropriate query syntax to optimize performance.
Tickerplant Framework
In the final kdb+ module you’ll be introduced to the core use-case of q/kdb+ - the tickerplant architecture. You will complete a project to test your learning progression - “Running a q/kdb+ tickerplant”
Financial knowledge and professional skills
Finally, you’ll learn key industry knowledge and career vital soft skills to help you thrive in your role.
Learn from industry experts who have worked at top banks
Receive a generous graduate salary with pre-agreed pay rises every 6 months.
Enjoy a flexible benefits package, including gym membership.
Get supported by your dedicated Wiley Edge Engagement Manager throughout your placement.
A degree within a STEM field.
2.1/3.0 GPA degree (or equivalent) or higher.
An analytical mindset with a thirst to build a career in tech.
Some practical programming knowledge
A quick thinker and problem solver that operates well under demanding and high pressurized environments.
A strong aptitude for technology with the ability to pick up new skills in a speedy fashion.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
We’ve helped 900+ graduates turn their degree into a career, and we’re excited to do the same for you.
Interested in working in the world of technology or banking with paid training, ongoing support and opportunities at top, global companies?
Search all openings and apply!