The search for knowledge opens up new horizons and introduces one to new opportunities. The challenges one encounters on the way to expand one’s knowledge, provide new experiences to learn from, thus enabling one to climb up the ladder of success.
Ben Mignano is one such person, whose constant search for ways to expand his knowledge, helped him grab the amazing opportunity to work as a Research Consultant at WorldQuant, an International Hedge Fund.
Here’s our conversation with Mr. Ben Mignano!
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Hi Ben, tell us about yourself.
Well, I’ve been working for the past six years as an Algorithmic Developer and a Day Trader. During that time I’ve trained and educated in Programming and a number of different software platforms and systems. I’m proficient with C++, Java, and Python programming languages.
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When did you begin trading?
I began trading back in 2005.
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What motivated you to learn about algorithmic trading?
I was evoked about Algorithmic Trading when I initially began trading and was highly interested to know how the programs conducted trades. Thus the love affair began with Meta Quotes Language, MQL.
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What led you to decide that EPAT would be the ideal choice to achieve your objectives and enhance your trading skills?
About a year and a half ago, I was looking for possible ways to broaden my education on Algorithmic Trading, and the search led to QuantInsti. Then I found that QuantInsti was thorough in its approach to teach individuals the total process that goes into becoming a successful algorithmic trader.
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Did you face any challenges? If yes, how did you overcome them?
The challenges I had to overcome during that whole process of learning was the loss of income, which disrupted my concentration from my studies, which I gained control of shortly after resolving my financial issues.
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What features did you find best about EPAT and how was your experience?
The components that drove me to increase my desire to complete my EPAT education was the use of the Python software called Anaconda. There I picked up the knowledge of Python and R, and started developing software that algorithmically trades the markets. My excitement never waned after that.
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How has your journey been, post-EPAT, and what are your future plans?
Being an EPATian, I found myself abound by opportunity and landed a job as a Research Consultant with an international Hedge Fund company, WorldQuant. This is a great “gig,” because it is a remote job and I get to receive bonuses.
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Any message you would like to share with the aspiring algorithmic traders?
Algorithmic Trading is awesome, and it is only going to increase in intensity in the next 10 years. I am glad I’ve taken the steps that are necessary to sail into the future with a skill that is viewed as glamorous and prosperous.
Ben’s thirst for knowledge helped him successfully complete his course on Algorithmic Trading, enhance his trading skills and ultimately get placed.
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 skill set and knowledge required to excel in this field. It includes topics such as Statistics & Econometrics, Financial Computing & Technology, Machine Learning to ensure that one attains a holistic knowledge about Algorithmic Trading.
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.
