First of all, I didn’t know it was even possible to make 20 Gs as an intern.

Not just as Citadel, but anywhere on earth.

Second, I really didn’t expect companies to go THAT far and do THAT much for interns.

A luxurious five-star hotel overlooking the South China Sea, filled with university students dressed in hoodies and sneakers, hunched over laptops, coding away during their school break.

No, this isn’t the latest tech startup convention or hackathon.

It’s the Citadel internship program, where interns earn a jaw-dropping $20,000 a month.

But why would interns command such a princely sum?

Citadel, the financial giant helmed by billionaire Ken Griffin, is on a quest to find the next generation of math and computer geniuses.

And they’re willing to spare no expense to achieve this.

From a pool of 69,000 applicants, these highly sought-after interns are handpicked to spend 11 intense weeks becoming the whizzes behind Citadel’s trading and market-making prowess.

Yea, its all algorithm, complex codes and programming now.

It’s an opportunity that pays $120 per hour or $19,200 per month.

Now, this isn’t your typical internship.

It’s more akin to an exclusive summer camp for financial prodigies.

These young minds are flown business class from around the globe, from California to Singapore, to the lavish Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel in Hong Kong.

Gourmet meals and luxurious accommodations are par for the course.

Over the course of their internship, these students delve into the world of hedge fund trading.

They negotiate like seasoned traders, write complex code, and devise automated strategies based on real-world data and simulations.

It’s like an Ivy League boot camp for aspiring financial wizards.

While these interns are undoubtedly exceptional, it raises the question of whether the staggering sum spent on them is justified.

Is an intern worth $20,000 a month?

Can they deliver value that justifies the high price tag?

Of course.

We are always in a talent war.

Citadel’s rationale is clear: they want to identify and nurture the best talent early on.

In the world of high-stakes trading, there’s a finite pool of truly exceptional students.

Given the complexity of Citadel’s work and the competition from other companies eyeing the same talent, getting in early is a strategic move.

Ken Griffin, who kickstarted his finance career from a dorm room at Harvard University, understands the potential of young talent.

His Citadel Securities is a linchpin of the US stock market, executing an astonishing $463 billion in trades daily.

This isn’t just about grooming interns; it’s about securing the future of the company.

The intern selection process is rigorous, with only the best and brightest making the cut.

These interns aren’t your run-of-the-mill college students; they hail from the world’s most prestigious universities and often boast accolades like math Olympiad Gold prizes or math doctorates from top institutions.

Citadel isn’t interested in just academics; they seek individuals who go above and beyond, who demonstrate not only intelligence but also passion and drive.

Throughout the internship, students are evaluated on skills that transcend academic prowess.

They’re judged on their curiosity, their ability to adapt and collaborate, and their knack for asking the right questions.

It’s a delicate balance between competing with peers and working as a team.

Interpersonal abilities are equally important.

The intern program is filled with real-time problem-solving, social activities, and interactive exercises.

Even meals become opportunities for evaluation, as students interact with company leaders during networking dinners.

Yes, they assess your social skills too.

The reason for Citadel’s investment in these students is clear.

It’s a fierce battle for top-tier talent in the finance industry.

Citadel competes with tech giants like Meta Platforms Inc., financial giants like Optiver Holding BV, and market-maker rivals.

Median intern pay at top firms has risen significantly, with Citadel leading the pack.

Internships have evolved from being mere resume builders to immersive experiences that offer insights into real-world problem-solving.

Successful internships serve as powerful recruitment tools to attract more top talent.

Citadel’s approach to internships is about securing the brightest minds for the future.

It’s about identifying and nurturing exceptional students who can make a significant impact on the company’s trajectory.

That is how competitive the world is today.

Un-freaking-believable.

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Would you pay an intern $20,000?

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