Could someone who has no knowledge of the financial markets, math, statistics or programming learn Algorithmic Trading? You’ll be surprised to know that the answer is YES!
This is a feat accomplished by Arushi Roy. Today, an EPAT alumnus, Arushi hails from a background in Chemical Engineering. She wanted to establish herself in this rapidly growing world of Algorithmic Trading.
She never imagined making it through, and today she is working as a Quantitative Analyst. She shares her journey with us and explains how she achieves what she thought was impossible.
Hi Arushi, tell us about yourself!
Hi! I'm Arushi Roy, and I am from Delhi, India. I am a Chemical Engineer by education and I’m currently working as a Quant researcher in Ebullient Securities Pvt. Ltd.
At present, I’m immersed in learning more and exploring the wonderful world of algorithms. I believe in hard work and have always pursued my dreams and objectives. This led me to begin my career in Algorithmic and Quantitative Trading.
How did you go from Chemical Engineering to Algorithmic Trading?
After completing my Chemical Engineering, I received a campus placement from college, but it did not seem right and I was still figuring out a career path.
I pursued various prospects to develop my passion into a career. I wanted to work in a company where I'm interested in the role or work assigned to me. I did a lot of research and looked up every field I knew, but my attempts were futile.
My interest rose when I was preparing for the UPSC exam (to get into a Government Services role) and had to learn about Economics and Finance. I had no idea about these subjects before this.
I discussed this with my senior from college was from the computer science field and he recommended EPAT. I went on the QuantInsti website, researched about it and then spoke to my parents about it. I connected with Swapna from QuantInsti to enquire about EPAT.
The experience was very informative and she was helpful and cleared all my doubts and queries.
My parents weren't first on board with this idea, but speaking to QuantInsti, they were on board and were supportive of it. I had the support of my family and friends.
I never thought I could get into this field at all but you never know until you try. I had taken a lot of risks in my life, and now I was sure where I wanted to go. I love statistics, so that kind of convinced me to get into algo trading as well. And that’s how EPAT came into the picture.
Was it a challenge learning algo trading without having any knowledge or experience of programming or trading?
Things are changing with time, youngsters are now more aware of what the stock market is and how it can be a viable career option.
I took up this course because they start from the very basics. It's not like giving the code and typing it out. They literally teach you what a cell is and how to move from one cell to another, in Excel and in an easy, simple way. Moving steadily from the very basic to the advanced level.
It is not like they take your money and get on with it. They care about you and help you in any way they can and that's the best part I like about QuantInsti and EPAT. And these kind gestures and warmth are felt in their interaction with every single student or individual who has taken up the course.
I was very serious about my studies, so during the weekend I’d be attending the lecture and the rest of the week I used to practice a lot - doing assignments, revisiting classroom lectures 2-3 times in the week and understanding everything.
I realized that if you practise Python programming, even that will become easy for you. I even created a trading account to see how the market works.
Course structure and design - For me, EPAT is 10/10 the way it is structured. I had no background in algo trading and knew Excel. So the process of learning excel and then moving to learn python, then machine learning and so on was amazing. The way the course is designed is commendable.
Faculty - QuantInsti has the best faculties. Their teaching is superb! I’ve been very curious, asking tons of questions and doubts, raising lots of queries, and the staff has always been patient with me and quite supportive.
Networking - Many of my friends have also taken up EPAT. I’ve been able to network and connect with fellow EPATians via LinkedIn. We often connect and discuss various lectures and topics as well. I was surprised to see the excitement of so many people pursuing EPAT!
Subash has been helpful to me regarding anything and everything with regards to my learning, be it any time of the day or even weekends and holidays. I was nervous when I joined EPAT, and even during the results - but Subash was very supportive and has been a guiding force during my time at EPAT.
I cherish all the motivation, guidance and support that Swapna has extended to her and went out of her way to help me when it felt impossible to move ahead. I’m also thankful to her for helping with queries, additional resources for learning and much more.
On completion of EPAT, I was delighted to know that I had achieved a ‘Certificate of Excellence’. My family is proud and very happy for me.
What feature of EPAT did you like the most?
The placement team is quite good. As a fresher and having no formal education or background in the domain before EPAT, yes it was a slow process for me. It took a while before the placement offers started rolling in for me.
I would suggest freshers - go for internships rather than permanent positions in any company. Get the internship and then go for a full-time position with some experience, and that might help you gain a better package.
Be patient with the placement team, be in constant touch with them and they will provide you with the best career offers and job options. They are quite helpful and guide you in making your CV, getting that exposure for your profile and steering you through the interview process as well.
Thanks to the placement team, I interned at FMI Technologies LLC as a Quant Analyst. I am enjoying my work a lot, loving this experience working with Quants, learning a lot, being responsible and trying to do my best.
Today, I’m working as a Quant researcher in Ebullient Securities Pvt. Ltd.
What message would you give to those who wish to learn Algorithmic Trading?
I’d like to share the following points from my experience and I hope it helps:
- If you have an analytical mind and understand the technical aspects really well, you should also know what you are capable of and not waste time on what you can't do.
- If you’re not satisfied with your career choice, remember, you can always switch.
- Before building your strategy, or setting up a desk, first do an internship, take up the experience and then go for it.
- If you keep practising, you can learn about anything and achieve whatever you want.
Engineers will have an advantage in pursuing this field of Algo Trading. But, if I could get through EPAT, having no knowledge about the domain, you too will be able to.
If you have a desire to pursue a certain profession, dedicate yourself to it, do everything in your power to achieve it, and you will definitely be able to do it. If it’s algorithmic trading, then definitely I’d suggest going for EPAT. EPAT will provide you with direct hands-on support and help you achieve your dream career.
Good reads on who can learn Algorithmic Trading
- Blindness couldn’t stop Pranav’s pursuit of Algo Trading
- 17 years of Engineering in Japan to Algorithmic Trading | Praveen Singh from India
- Combining Engineering and Technology with Finance: Raj's Journey
Thanks for connecting with us and sharing your story with us, Arushi. We wish you the best for your future and wish you an amazing journey into this magnificent world of Algorithmic and Quantitative trading.
If you too desire to equip yourself with lifelong skills which will always help you in upgrading your trading strategies. With topics such as Statistics & Econometrics, Financial Computing & Technology, Machine Learning, this algo trading course ensures that you are proficient in every skill required to excel in the field of trading. Enroll in EPAT now!
Disclaimer: In order to assist individuals who are considering pursuing a career in algorithmic and quantitative trading, this success story has been collated based on the personal experiences of a student or alumni from QuantInsti’s EPAT programme. Success stories are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be used for investment purposes. The results achieved post completion of the EPAT programme may not be uniform for all individuals.
