Michael Khaykin: From Robotics Prodigy to Citadel Trading Whiz at

Landing a job at Citadel, the renowned hedge fund and electronic trading firm, is about as easy as finding a unicorn riding a rollercoaster. We’re talking a minuscule acceptance rate, something like trying to thread a needle in a hurricane. But our guy, Michael Khaykin, he’s not afraid of a little challenge. At just nineteen years old, this software engineer at Citadel’s New York office took the road less traveled, proving that sometimes, the scenic route leads to the most rewarding destination.

Khaykin’s Unconventional Journey

The Robotics Whiz Kid

Let’s be real, most kids spend their days daydreaming about video games and pizza. Not Michael. This dude was wired differently. His passion for robotics was so intense; it was like watching a young Tony Stark in the making. He dove headfirst into the world of circuits and sensors, ditching traditional schooling in eighth grade to compete in robotics competitions. Talk about a power move!

And guess what? His dedication paid off big time. Khaykin’s robotics team skyrocketed to global recognition, racking up awards like they were going out of style. This solidified his passion, showing him that sometimes, the best way to learn is to get your hands dirty and build something awesome. High school? Who needs it when you’re conquering the world of robotics? Khaykin bypassed those hallowed halls and enrolled in community college, eventually snagging a spot at UC Berkeley at the ripe old age of seventeen. This kid was unstoppable.

Discovering Citadel and Gaining Experience

The Citadel Calling

Picture this: Khaykin’s chilling at Berkeley, soaking up knowledge like a sponge, when he catches wind of Citadel’s internship program. Now, this wasn’t your average internship where you fetch coffee and make copies. This was the big leagues, a chance to rub shoulders with the best minds in finance and tech. Challenge accepted. Khaykin threw his hat in the ring, ready to prove himself.

But hold up, this overachiever had another trick up his sleeve. While waiting to hear back from Citadel, he snagged an internship at NASA. Yeah, you read that right, NASA! This was no walk in the park either. Khaykin dove headfirst into a research project on atmospheric communication systems, basically working on tech that could revolutionize how we connect with spacecraft. But here’s the thing: while Khaykin appreciated the mission-critical nature of NASA’s work, he couldn’t shake the feeling that things moved a little, shall we say, slow. He craved a faster pace, a world where his work had an immediate impact. Enter Citadel.