Pioneering Experiential Learning in Finance at CMU with the 2024 MSCF Trading Competition

On November 2, 2024, the MSCF program organized an interactive on-campus trading competition that brought together 130 undergraduate and graduate students for a uniquely immersive and competitive learning experience. Hosted by the Smart Woman Securities Club and the newly launched MSCF Women in Quant Finance Club, this event underscored MSCF's commitment to experiential learning and inclusivity in the financial sector.

Hands-On Learning in a Realistic Trading Environment

Leveraging technology from the BMO Finance Research and Trading Lab, students experienced firsthand the demands and pressures of real-time trading. This fast-paced, interactive competition encouraged participants to apply classroom concepts to realistic market scenarios, honing their ability to develop strategies, manage risk, and respond to rapid market changes. By immersing students in this high-stakes environment, MSCF provided an invaluable opportunity to test their skills and adapt to the complexities of real-world finance.

"The Rotman Market Simulation Challenge part of Rotman Finance Analytics and Decision-Making League empowers students with real-world financial experience, fostering decision-making skills and collaboration to shape future financial leaders" said Bachir Chehab, Associate Director, BMO Financial Group Finance Research and Trading Lab, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.

Celebrating the Power of Interactive Competition

The day was not just about trading—it was about fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability in a dynamic, competitive setting. The interactive format allowed students to pit their strategies against one another, reinforcing essential skills while promoting a spirit of innovation and collaboration. This format transformed the learning experience, with each decision and trade carrying immediate feedback and results, driving home the practical implications of their choices in a simulated yet realistic setting.

Our Sincere Thanks to Our Sponsors

We extend our deepest appreciation to our lead sponsor, Quantbot Technologies, and our additional sponsors—Capstone, TrexQuant Investment LP, Freepoint Commodities, Qube Research and Technologies, GTS, and Code Willing. Their support enabled us to deliver this experiential learning opportunity, which are critical in preparing students to become adaptable, forward-thinking finance professionals.

"The event was a fantastic experience, and we were impressed by the level of engagement from over 100 students, ranging from freshmen to master’s candidates" noted Robert A. Martinez, the CRO of Code Willing, "These students gave up their Saturday to dive into this competitive learning environment, showing true dedication as they prepare for the high-stakes world of capital markets. It was an honor for our team to be part of this event!"

Robert Simon, Executive Director of the MSCF Program, added, "This trading competition provided our students with an invaluable platform to engage directly with market data and trading strategies in real-time. Events like these are at the heart of our program’s mission to offer experiential learning that bridges academic theory with practical, applied skills. We're excited to see how this experience will fuel our students' growth and readiness for their future careers."