Algorithms, Risk, and Fast-Paced Decision

A Conversation with an alumni working at Five Rings

March 5, 2025

By Ngaatendwe Manyika, MEAM '27

Students engaging with the Five Rings alum during the event

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend an engaging talk with a Penn alum currently working at Five Rings, a proprietary trading firm known for its quantitative approach, dynamic atmosphere, and emphasis on teamwork. He shared invaluable insight into the world of algorithmic trading and software engineering, as well as the different internships and programs available for those looking to break into the industry.

Five Rings offers several pathways for students, with my personal favorite being their LINK program. This is a 5-day Software Development Intensive Program aimed at college sophomores - perfect for me as a 2nd year MEAM student. They talked about Winter internships and Summer Internships that were designed to immerse participants in the firm's unique blend of critical thinking, mentorship, and collaboration. 

One of the most striking aspects of the talk was the emphasis on the culture at Five Rings. Unlike many other firms where hierarchy dictates decisions, Five Rings fosters an environment where ideas are valued based on merit rather than seniority. The alum recounted their experience of being encouraged to contribute to trading strategies and optimizations early on, highlighting the firm’s commitment to the company’s core values of continuous learning.

This talk taught me  about the intersection of engineering, data science, and real-time decision-making in the real world, and  has sparked my interest in software development. The event was also a reminder of the importance of strong technical foundations in programming and optimization techniques, topics which I could spend a whole semester learning about at Penn. Beyond gaining insight into the operational side of Five Rings, this talk was a great opportunity to network and understand how engineering skills can translate into finance. In the near future, I hope to experience first hand the type of intense problem solving and cutting-edge innovation that is done at Five Rings.  

Click here to learn more about Five Rings.