Student Programs
Why Become an OCC Intern (co-op)?
- The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC), founded in 1973, is the world's largest equity derivatives clearing organization. We are dedicated to promoting stability and financial integrity in the marketplaces that we serve by focusing on sound risk management principles.
- OCC is a medium size firm which is very beneficial to our interns because they are involved in a wide variety of projects and get a lot of exposure to upper management
- 350 employees, 90 are located near Forth Worth, Texas, plus small locations in New York and Washington D.C.
- Our Chicago location is a few blocks from the Metra trains
- Very large Information Technology (IT) organization, approximately 230 of our employees are in IT. A lot of opportunity for career growth in this area.
- OCC's internships are paid internships.
- Internship program has been in existence for over 15 years — several of our interns have been hired into full-time positions.
- OCC holds several activities for interns and has a great culture:
- Intern outings at the Taste of Chicago, pizza parties
- Lunch with the OCC President just to chat
- Bi-monthly learning sessions on various topics such as grad school vs. starting a job, resume writing and financial planning for college students and networking with other interns
What does it take to be an OCC intern?
- Available to work during school semester/quarter up to 20 hours per week (work schedule is flexible). During breaks (spring, summer &winter) may work up to 40 hours per week.
- Must currently be a full-time college student.
- Undergraduate student - prefer sophomore or junior level participants.
- Undergraduate student must carry a minimum of 12 credit hours.
- Graduate students must carry a minimum of 8 credit hours and have at least 1 year before expected graduation
- OCC looks for hard working students who are majoring in a field of study that would benefit from experience in the financial industry.
Testimonials from some of our interns on their favorite part of the job
"The level of responsibility that comes with this job is wonderful."
"Get to participate in and observe collaborative problem solving and critical thinking."
"I love this job."
"The camaraderie that comes while working with a team."
"The personalities in my department and those around me like the UNIX department are incredible. But I can't ever forget the PC Admin guys, they are the funniest."
"These past 3 yrs were great. I've come to gain knowledge and experience that I plan to use to further my goals.I've also gained associates that have come to be as close to me as family and as friends."
"The work was challenging, the interviews, the presentations, and the video conferences were fun, and I learned a lot about the OCC."
We generally offer internships in the following areas:
Information Systems/Technology
- Application Services — Architects systems that support the clearance and settlement of the derivatives market. Focus is to make OCC's customers' operations more efficient by providing systems and data that exceed their business requirements. In the area of risk management, turnkey systems are provided to customers around the globe.
- Internet Services — Facilitates the flow of information between OCC employees, member firms, owner exchanges and the public through the use of appropriate Internet technologies. Responsible for the creation, maintenance and traffic analysis of the OCC web site, The OIC web site and the extranet site.
- Network Services — Responsible for the connectivity for internal network, internet, and membership/exchanges; cabling infrastructure; mainframe communications; video conference communications; and, telephone communication systems.
- PC Services — Investigate and resolve both software and hardware problems for internal OCC computer users. Perform software/hardware installations and PC builds. Answer all Help Desk calls and troubleshoot issues.
- Mainframe, Configuration Management and more...
Accounting and Finance
Handle all areas of general accounting. Budgeting, investments and cash control, accounts receivable/payable, preparation of tax returns and the preparation and distribution of financial statements.
Audit
Provide independent, objective assurance services designed to add value and improve OCC’s operations. Helps OCC accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.
Legal
Provides legal counsel to OCC in order to manage the corporation's legal risk, including monitoring occurrences in the underlying market that could affect options and providing legal guidance for OCC in taking appropriate action in response. The department also reviews all significant communications to outside parties and is the principle liaison with regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Communications/Marketing
Provides marketing, education and public relations support through the annual report, various newsletters, press releases, speeches, brochures, and presentation materials, educational seminars, trade show exhibits and industry conferences. The department is also responsible for the administration of The Options Industry Council (OIC), an educational and marketing initiative sponsored by OCC and its Participant Exchanges.
Human Resources
The Human Resources department is responsible for all aspects of employment at OCC, including recruitment, training, administration of compensation and benefits, employee relations and employee events.
Availability of full-time employment following internship
Full-time position upon graduation are not guaranteed. Job offers are dependent on openings and background required for position.
Current intern openings, how to apply, contact information...
Submit resume and cover letter for open positions at our career site/career opportunities area. Email Linda Roberts, HR, at lroberts@theocc.com with any questions.
Human Resources
The Options Clearing Corporation
1 N. Wacker Drive Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60606