Hello, this is TJ, CEO of Alpha Advisors!

"I want to compete on the front lines of the market." "I want to earn hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in a pure meritocracy."
We are seeing a surge in consultations from students and young professionals driven by these intense ambitions, aiming for trader roles at asset managers, hedge funds, and investment banks.

In today’s recruitment landscape for traders, "advanced quantitative proficiency (mathematics, statistics, and programming)" is becoming a mandatory requirement.
As a result, an increasing number of candidates are choosing a high certainty route to an offer: first equipping themselves with a Master of Financial Engineering (MFE) or Data Science from a top international graduate school, and then targeting roles at local hedge funds or global investment banks.

Alpha provides more than just interview prep.
We offer end to end, rigorous support—from securing admission to international graduate programs in fields like financial engineering to providing exhaustive career hunt strategies for events like the Boston Career Forum (BCF).
Through this "Study Abroad x Career Strategy" golden route, we have produced numerous successful candidates who have secured offers from top tier firms such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and BlackRock.

However, the reality is that many people attempt to enter these interviews unarmed, relying on superficial reasons like "I just like investing," only to be rejected immediately.

Today, I will explain the essence of a trader’s job, the differences between roles, and the winning strategy to secure an offer in this hyper competitive world.

1. The Difference Between Buy Side and Sell Side

While all are called "traders," there are two distinct categories: the "Sell Side (Investment Banks)" and the "Buy Side (Asset Managers and Hedge Funds)." Their roles are fundamentally different. If you confuse these two, your statement of purpose will miss the mark entirely.

Sell Side (Investment Bank) Traders

These traders belong to the Markets division of investment banks (e.g., Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley).

・Role: Their primary function is acting as "Market Makers," executing client orders (from institutional investors, etc.) and providing liquidity to the market.
・Revenue Source: Profits are generated through transaction fees and the "spread" (the difference between the bid and ask price).
・Characteristics: Requires the reflexes to respond to client demands and the precision to handle massive order volumes. They are professionals serving as "market intermediaries."

Buy Side (Asset Management/Hedge Fund) Traders

These traders (including Fund Managers) work for asset management firms or hedge funds to manage and grow capital.

・Role: Their mission is to increase the capital entrusted to them by clients. They take positions based on their own market convictions.
・Revenue Source: Profits come from capital gains and income gains. They pursue absolute returns.
・Characteristics: They take calculated risks to chase profit based on exhaustive research. They have a strong "investor" profile.

If you do not grasp these distinctions, you will fail the moment you are asked, "Why do you want to be a trader at an investment bank rather than at an asset manager?" Remember that while they share the title of "trader," their roles and daily operations are entirely different.

2. The Essential Traits and Background Required for a Trader

To earn a spot and thrive as a trader at a top tier financial institution, simply "liking stocks" is not enough. Success in modern markets requires a combination of advanced quantitative processing skills and unshakeable mental toughness.

If you are aiming to be a trader, you must design your career strategy—including your major and experiences—based on the following criteria:

① High Affinity for Mathematics and Technology (Academic Background)

Modern trading is dominated by algorithms and complex derivative products. Therefore, having a STEM background is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for securing an offer.

◼︎What is required:

• The ability to quantitatively analyze markets using probability, statistics, calculus, and programming (Python, C++, etc.).
• Whether you come from a STEM or non STEM background, it is crucial to choose majors like Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or Financial Engineering, or at least acquire equivalent knowledge.
• Being "strong with numbers" will be your most powerful weapon.

② Reflexes and Decisiveness (Personality Fit)

Markets fluctuate in an instant. While you hesitate to "think a bit more," opportunities vanish and losses expand.

◼︎What is required:

• The decisiveness to trust your logic and hit the "Buy" or "Sell" button instantly, even under uncertain conditions. Furthermore, the discipline to immediately cut losses if you realize you are wrong.
• The willingness and ability to take calculated risks.
• You need to train yourself daily to make immediate decisions on questions that have no clear right answer.
• The "competitive instinct" and "reflexes" cultivated through sports or gaming are also significant indicators of suitability for trading.

③ Immense Intellectual Curiosity and Focus (Mindset)

To win in a market where geniuses from around the world compete, you need a greater volume of information and analysis than they have.

◼︎What is required:

• An obsessive nature that views every event—politics, economics, geopolitics, weather, and technology—through the filter of its "impact on the market."
• Can you immerse yourself to the point where you love the market more than anything else? Only those who think about the market as naturally as breathing, from the moment they wake up until they go to sleep, will survive in this world.

Given these points, it is clear that you cannot become a trader through last minute preparation. You must cultivate strategic academic choices and daily thinking habits. Results follow the strategic accumulation of these efforts.

3. How to Become a Trader

So, how do you break through this narrow gate? Simply claiming you "read financial reports" won't cut it. Professionals look at your "potential" and the "depth of your preparation."

① Develop Your Own Market View
In interviews, you will inevitably be asked, "What news caught your eye recently?" or "If you had $10,000 right now, what would you invest in?" Summarizing a newspaper article will not earn you points. You need a unique perspective and logic: "I think X, so I predict Y will happen, because of Z."

② Gain Practical Experience
Actually trade stocks or currencies. More important than whether you won or lost is your ability to explain: "Why did I choose that instrument, where did I enter, and how did I exit?" Participating in trading competitions is also a great way to build a track record.

③ Connect Deep Self-Analysis to Your Motivation
"Why a trader?" and "Why Buy Side (or Sell Side)?" You must logically link the characteristics of the trading role to your own personality and past experiences, such as competitiveness in sports or intense focus in research.

④ Performance in Internships
Global investment banks and major asset managers fill the majority of their full-time spots through summer internships and "job" selections. Here, they evaluate not only your "brilliance" but also whether you are someone they "want to work with" and if you are a "team player."

⑤ Cultivate Quantitative Proficiency
In a workplace where derivatives and algorithmic trading are mainstream, the ability to use "numbers as a common language" is essential. Sharpen your logical thinking in a STEM department (Math, Physics, Engineering, CS), or if you are in a non STEM field, build a foundation for quantitative analysis by studying statistics, econometrics, and programming (Python, etc.). This will be the weapon that sets you apart from other candidates.

A career hunt is not the final goal. Standing on the front lines of the global economy as a trader will dramatically elevate your perspective and provide a powerful foundation for a global career. Therefore, do not rely on superficial techniques; challenge yourself by building essential strength.

Secure Your Trader Offer with Alpha Advisors!

Becoming a trader at an asset manager, hedge fund, or investment bank is an exciting and high paying career, but you cannot secure an offer with half-hearted preparation.

Do not waste time worrying about whether you are better suited for the Buy Side or Sell Side, how to build a stock pitch, or how to handle high pressure interviews. Furthermore, if you feel your current credentials are not enough, Alpha can propose a proven "ironclad" route: first upgrading your profile at an international graduate school (MFE or MBA) before taking on the challenge.

If you are serious about becoming a top tier trader, rely on the professionals.

For total dominance in your career hunt, join Alpha Advisors' individual coaching!
Our professional advisors—led by our CEO, TJ, an alum of a major trading house, Chicago Booth MBA, and Goldman Sachs IBD—will rigorously coach you using our 18 year track record of success.

【Alpha’s Comprehensive Coaching Includes:】

• Powerful Self-Analysis and Logic Building: Arm yourself with logical reasons for why you want to be a trader and why you chose a specific asset class.
• Developing a Professional "Market View": Gain market analysis skills and perspectives that will impress any interviewer.
• Technical Interview Prep: Thorough preparation for quantitative puzzles, probability, statistics, and financial theory.
• Building the Strongest Resume/CV: Translate your experiences into the "traits of a trader" to make a compelling case.
• International Graduate School (MFE/CS) Application Support: Elevate your academic pedigree and credentials to grab your ticket to a global career.

Come to Alpha before you fail by doing it on your own. End the "hit or miss" career hunt today and start preparing for a total win.

Consult Alpha Now!

Alpha Advisors is your partner for high impact career transitions. Free consultation here ＞ Free Consultation

Our most popular one on one coaching programs for career acceleration

・【Career Strategy Advisory】Job Change? MBA? Promotion? Entrepreneurship? A highly popular program to design your career strategy in 2 weeks!
・【Alpha Advisors Job Hunting Support to succeed in your job hunting at McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, P&G, and Apple!】

Recommended articles for those considering a career transition

・【Transitioning into Hedge Funds Earning USD 500k+】Possible Even Without Prior Experience!
・【Hedge Fund Career Strategy】How to reach USD 1 million plus at Point72 and Citadel. The essential methods top performers use to build domain expertise and stay ahead

TJ Profile

TJ began his career at Sumitomo Corporation in Corporate Accounting, overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and performance management for more than 800 global subsidiaries, as well as IR activities. He was selected as the youngest trainee at Sumitomo Corporation of America in New York, contributing to the restructuring of a U.S. steel business. He later joined Project Finance, arranging large scale financings for international infrastructure projects and telecommunications. Chosen as a company sponsored MBA candidate.

He earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, concentrating in Finance and Entrepreneurship. He founded the University of Chicago Japanese Association and launched the school’s first Japan Trip, now an annual tradition.

TJ subsequently joined Goldman Sachs Japan Investment Banking Division, advising on M&A in the media and consumer sectors, IPOs and capital raising, and private equity and restructuring assignments.

He was selected as a fellow in the Entrepreneurial Leadership Program by Keizai Doyukai, receiving mentorship from top business leaders including H.I.S. Chairman Hideo Sawada.

As President of the Chicago Booth Alumni Association in Japan, he guided candidates to leading MBA programs and global universities. His students have secured roles at firms including Mitsubishi Corporation, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Google, Big 4 consulting/FAS, Toyota, MUFG, and Nomura.

Renowned for rigorous one on one coaching for TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, and GRE, TJ is widely trusted for his ability to design and execute career and academic strategies with exceptional precision.