Are you an Algo trader for the thrill of it?
Did you become one because you found it really interesting and wanted to build your career in it?
Have you met someone who would answer these with a loud, resounding ‘YES’?
In case you haven’t met them already, here’s someone who followed her passion and curiosity for learning more and pursued her love for trading.
Join us for this interesting discussion as Chamundeswari Koppisetti shares her story, personal tidbits, her career path and her brief journey of Algorithmic Trading. Who knows, maybe you might relate your story with hers - let us know in the comments.
Here’s our conversation with Chamundeswari.
Hi Chamundeswari! Tell us about yourself
Hi, I’m Chamundeswari Koppisetti. I have my bachelors in Finance from BITS Pilani and have 4 years of experience working in the Finance industry. I have a versatile skill-set and I like to take risks. I prefer treading the road less travelled.
I am a sports lover. In addition to my interest in outdoor sports, I like solving Sudoku puzzles and enjoy mentally challenging card games and board game.
My happiness doubles whenever I win any game. This laid the foundation of trading and markets for me. Reading in the newspapers, I found stock markets as a zero-sum game, which I started trading thinking it was fun and that I could earn some money.
My math skills combined with a keen interest in learning about the markets helped me realize risks and the probabilities for investing.
Did you always aspire to be a part of the Algorithmic Trading domain?
I have explored my interests in this industry right from the time I got my campus placement, and continue to do so till date. I follow the markets every day irrespective of the need to trade. Following my passion to become a trader, I landed a job role with Swiss Re as Trader, along with a role in Strategy & Operations.
My work experience with both - an investment bank and a reinsurance firm helped me practically apply my knowledge that I had gained in school.
Now, with a clear goal to succeed in the Algorithmic trading industry, I am going to pursue my Masters in Applied Financial Mathematics from the University of Connecticut.
What steps did you take to learn about Algorithmic Trading?
During my tenure as a fixed-income trader, after a few executions, I started thinking if I could design algos to run and source opportunistic investments in the fixed income domain. For this, I felt the need to boost up my skills in programming, statistics, market microstructure etc. to get an in-depth understanding of the algorithmic trading domain. Enter, EPAT.
You are the proud recipient of the Certificate of Excellence from EPAT. How was your experience with EPAT?
I had a great experience being a part of QuantInsti’s EPAT Programme, especially in getting introduced to Machine Learning functions. For example how one could use Reinforcement Algorithms to place orders etc.
I was quite impressed with the alumni and the faculty who are practitioners and are very well known in the industry. I really admire Dr. Ernest P. Chan – used to read his books, and articles.
How are the skills gained in EPAT helping you out professionally?
I wanted to explore the world of Algorithmic trading which made me join EPAT. EPAT helped me in honing my skills in statistics, calculus and programming.
As I am going for my further studies with hopes to excel in the field of algorithmic trading, these skills would be very handy for me.
What skills do you feel are necessary for one to groom their career in Algorithmic Trading?
I feel the following skills would be necessary:
- Knowledge of the Markets
- Probability and Statistics
- Calculus
- Little Programming
You could also learn these by yourself if you are smart with math.
Any words for the aspiring Algo Traders out there?
Be smart and be strong in Math
Thank you for sharing, Chamundeswari and all the best for your future.
EPAT, through its comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training, helps anyone who wishes to enter this domain of Algorithmic Trading and Quantitative Trading by equipping them with the necessary skillset and knowledge required to excel in this field. Enroll for EPAT here.
Disclaimer: In order to assist individuals who are considering pursuing a career in algorithmic and quantitative trading, this case study has been collated based on the personal experiences of a student or alumni from QuantInsti’s EPAT® programme. Case studies 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.
