When you’re a child and imagining your life as an adult, the sky’s the limit. Take, for example, Amani Matta. When she was growing up, Matta entertained a rotating list of possible careers. She was particularly adept in math and science, but music played a big part in her life. Later, in the eighth grade, Matta wrote her first piece of code, and her perspective changed.
“Something about programming clicked—it felt creative and logical, similar to composing music,” she says. “That moment sparked my interest in computer science, and I realized I genuinely loved solving problems.”
Fueled by ambition and this newly actualized passion, Matta interned at an AI startup during college. The experience opened her eyes to software’s real-world impact, and she felt empowered to think more intentionally about the industries she hoped to join. Matta also considered insights from her sister, a software engineer working in fintech.
“Her work and the broader mission of financial technology inspired me,” she shares.
After completing her undergraduate education, Matta moved to New York, where she pursued a master’s degree in computer science at NYU. She interned at the electronic trading company Tradeweb, eventually joining the company in 2023. Today, she’s a software engineer, and her role allows her to drive innovative change.
She shares how her Tradeweb internship prepared her for a full-time position, what she’s learned as a mentor for early-career talent, and why recent college graduates should stay curious to get ahead.
What led to your job at Tradeweb, and how did you know the company would be a good fit? Did anything stand out during the recruitment and interview process?
I’d heard good things about Tradeweb through my sister, who was working in the same field and had experience interacting with the company. A college friend referred me to an internship role. From my first conversation, the culture felt right. I knew Tradeweb was a place where I could share ideas, collaborate, and be intellectually challenged. That stood out to me—it felt like a place where I could grow and be heard.
Additionally, the HR team was incredibly professional and transparent throughout the process. I had a great experience, but what impressed me even more was how they treated other candidates who didn’t get offers. The team was respectful, which is rare in an industry where ghosting has become common. That level of integrity impressed me and reinforced my decision to join the organization.
What are the core responsibilities of your role as a software engineer? How have your past professional experiences prepared you for this work?
I focus on designing and building scalable systems, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, and ensuring our code is reliable and exceeds expectations. I also analyze existing systems to identify optimization opportunities and implement improvements that make a real difference in day-to-day operations.
Before Tradeweb, I worked at Deloitte, where I developed internal tools using C# and AngularJS. I learned how to build enterprise-scale applications and the importance of clean architecture and client-focused solutions.
In grad school, I worked on several technical and creative projects, including a machine learning-based web app deployed on Amazon Web Services (AWS) that included Create, Read, Update, and Delete (CRUD) operations, authentication, and real-time messaging. These experiences helped me become comfortable working across the stack and prepared me for the fast-paced, collaborative, and high-impact environment I currently work in.
What are you currently working on that excites or inspires you? Why?
I’m working on a proof of concept using Digital Asset Modeling Language (DAML), and it’s been energizing. Building a service from scratch enables me to incorporate everything I’ve learned, from my college experience to exploring emerging technologies.
I’m also looking forward to mentoring an intern this summer. Stepping into a more hands-on leadership role will be incredibly rewarding. It’s exciting to guide someone through the process, help shape their experience, and grow my mentorship skills.
Before joining Tradeweb in 2023, you completed a three-month internship with the company in 2022. How did that experience prepare you for working at Tradeweb, and what important insights did you gain?
My internship was an incredible learning experience and played a big role in my decision to return in a full-time capacity. My amazing manager provided technical guidance and created an environment where I felt supported and challenged. The work was exciting and meaningful. I wasn’t just handling side projects—I was contributing to real initiatives.
What also stood out to me was the culture. The senior leadership team was down-to-earth, approachable, and brimming with strategic vision and ideas. They knew how to balance big-picture thinking with an openness to new perspectives.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced at Tradeweb, and how did you overcome it? What lessons did you learn?
Managing an intern for the first time was a major shift. I had to transition from thinking as an individual contributor to guiding someone else. I realized being a mentor means providing clear communication, exercising critical thinking, collaborating, and executing strategic planning.
I learned a lot about communication, patience, and the importance of having a strong foundation before diving into the details. I also learned how much clarity and structure matter when helping someone grow. That experience made me a better engineer and collaborator, and prepared me to take on more leadership responsibilities.
What does it take to succeed as a software engineer at Tradeweb? What skills and experiences do potential candidates need to have?
To succeed as a software engineer at Tradeweb, be honest with yourself and your work. Give your best effort without getting too caught up in immediate rewards. Set clear goals early in the year, revisit them regularly—maybe every quarter—and make steady progress toward achieving them.
Technical skills can always be taught and improved, but attitude is everything. You need to have an open mindset and be ready to learn, no matter what stage you’re at or what role you’re in. Curiosity, humility, and the willingness to keep growing make a huge difference here. If you have that, everything else tends to fall into place over time.
What learning and development opportunities or programs are available to Tradeweb employees?
There are numerous resources to support learning and development. I’m currently involved in Tradeweb’s mentorship program. This summer, I’m excited to participate in the Tradeweb Achievers Program (TAP), which focuses on development, mentoring, and networking opportunities for high-performing and high-potential employees.
Employees also have access to Pluralsight for continuous learning, among other tech tools. Tradeweb also offers opportunities to expand your professional development skills through educational training and certifications.
How does Tradeweb encourage internal mobility and career growth? How has leadership supported you?
Tradeweb is intentional about encouraging internal mobility and career growth. Senior leadership constantly motivates us to expand our skills and take on new challenges. That kind of support—where you’re not boxed into one role but empowered to expand your skills—has made a difference in my experience here.
What advice would you give potential talent, especially recent college graduates, who are pursuing a career in software engineering?
My biggest advice, especially for recent graduates, is to focus on learning instead of just landing the “perfect” role. Have an open mind, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask questions—even the ones that feel obvious. The first few years are about building a strong foundation.
Also, remember that attitude matters just as much as technical skills. Come in with humility, a willingness to learn, and set personal goals you can revisit and refine. Success in software engineering is about showing up with the right mindset and a commitment to improve.