Jingli Wang shares her experience after making it to the Global Finals of the 2023 International Quant Championship.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Jiujiang, a city located in Jiangxi Province in eastern China, but am now studying at McMaster University, in Canada.
How did you get interested in quantitative finance?
My interest in quantitative finance was sparked during a project in my graduate studies, where I simulated future stock price movements and calculated value at risk. However, it wasn’t until I discovered BRAIN and the International Quant Championship that I delved deeper into quantitative finance.
How did you hear about the International Quant Championship (IQC)?
After completing a certificate in data science, I was eager to explore different career possibilities. I found quantitative finance to be an interesting direction that combines my expertise in data and finance. As a result, I began searching online for opportunities to gain practical experience, which led me to discover WorldQuant and the IQC.
How did it feel to be one of the winners?
I am thrilled and pleasantly surprised to have secured second place in this competition. While my participation was driven by a desire to learn, achieving this milestone is a delightful bonus that reinforces my confidence to pursue a career in quantitative finance.
What do you want to get out of the BRAIN Consultancy Program?
By leveraging the expanded access to additional data fields and specialized features, such as the BRAIN API and data visualization tools, I hope the BRAIN Consultancy Program can enhance my understanding of different financial markets and improve my research focus.
What do you like most about the BRAIN platform?
I appreciate that BRAIN provides a wide range of datasets and data fields for me to explore. Additionally, the platform’s built-in features make it super easy and convenient to simulate my ideas.
How do you come up with ideas for new alphas?
I regularly read financial blogs and websites to stay updated on the latest trends and interesting topics. I then search for papers that can inspire new alpha ideas.
How has your experience working with WorldQuant and the IQC helped shape your career goals?
Participating in the IQC has been a significant highlight on my resume. Moreover, it has provided me with practical experience in quantitative finance research and has instilled greater confidence in pursuing a career in this area.
What advice would you give others considering getting involved with WorldQuant BRAIN and competing in the IQC?
Be patient and persistent, and you will soon find enjoyment in the process.
* WorldQuant defines “Alphas” as mathematical models that seek to predict the future price movements of various financial instruments.