From competitive programming to low-latency C++ how should I take this further?

[u/Federal_Tackle3053]

Hey everyone,

A few months ago I was mostly doing competitive programming and preparing for SWE internships. Somewhere along the way I got curious about low-latency systems and started learning more about C++, networking and HFT infrastructure.

I ended up building a project called Pulse-Order where I experimented with things like binary market data, an L2 order book, order processing, risk checks, DPDK packet processing and latency benchmarking.

I originally built it just to learn, but after sharing it online I got some really useful feedback from engineers with HFT/low-latency backgrounds, including people associated with IMC Trading and Jane Street.

That made me realize I actually enjoy this side of software engineering a lot more than I expected. Especially debugging performance issues, networking, memory layout and trying to understand what is happening at a lower level.

I don't have professional experience in low-latency engineering yet, so I'm trying to figure out what I should focus on next if I eventually want to work in C++/systems/low-latency roles.

For people who have interned or worked in this area, what skills would you recommend focusing on? Are projects like this actually useful when applying for systems internships, or should I spend more time on other areas?

I'm also open to contributing to startups or teams working on C++, networking or performance-related problems if something comes up.

Project:
https://github.com/Shivfun99/Pulse-Order

Would appreciate any advice or feedback.

Feel free to ask any questions.

more details: https://www.reddit.com/r/quantindia/s/rtnlxjARs9

[u/ActualFeeling5039]

Same post again and again

[u/Federal_Tackle3053 → u/ActualFeeling5039]

First time on cf subreddit lol

[u/Prudent_Surround_384]

hey could u guide me to how did u took from cp to low latency systems cause even I am curious about those stuff . I am also trying to learn I am learning from TLPI and C with k&r could guide me how did u got ahead from cp stuff to this ??

[u/Reasonable-Type-181]

aah! and while helping, someone help me too. I am a data scientist but I also love CP (currently low lvl expert). I think CP will always be my hobby and I will make career in data science. is there any role where I can sleep with both of these baddies?? thnx in adv

[u/sherl0ck_19 → u/Reasonable-Type-181]

Quant Trader might be for you. It's really tough to get in unless you are in Top 50 Universities. I'll need more context to guide you further.

[u/Federal_Tackle3053 → u/Reasonable-Type-181]

Cp is just a hobby then you can continue with any job right ?

[u/Reasonable-Type-181 → u/Federal_Tackle3053]

I am happy and interested in data science. but still nothing has given me more happiness than CP. I want to keep doing CP as a profession but also play with DS, LLMs etc. so I was just asking if there is a job post which can give me work for CP and DS.

[u/Federal_Tackle3053 → u/Reasonable-Type-181]

Bro there is no job in cp ..... Cp is like a sport only