Hello, this is TJ, CEO of Alpha Advisors!

Today, I want to discuss the most efficient path for university students aiming to become traders at top tier global investment banks: choosing the right international graduate program.

The role of a trader at a major global bank is incredibly competitive, attracting the world’s top talent. What is non negotiable in this field is exceptional quantitative proficiency. To understand and trade interest rates, derivatives, foreign exchange, swaps, and complex structured products while generating profit, a strong quantitative background is essential. To become a trader, the ability to analyze markets through advanced mathematical modeling is a must.

The most powerful weapon to meet these requirements is a graduate degree that combines finance and engineering: Financial Engineering (MFE). At Alpha, we have successfully guided many candidates from their studies in these programs to securing offers as traders at top global firms.

Are you a liberal arts or humanities major thinking that quantitative fields are out of reach?
In reality, even without a STEM background, there are top tier graduate programs you can get into with the right strategy. Regardless of your undergraduate major, I will show you how to secure your ticket to competing on the global stage.

◼︎Recommended Financial Engineering Programs

https://quantnet.com/mfe-programs-rankings/

There is no need to give up just because you are not a STEM major. Our strategy involves selecting the right country and university based on your specific background.

1. STEM Students: Learn at the Cutting Edge in the U.S.

Students with strong skills in mathematics and programming should aim for top schools in the United States, the heart of global finance. The following programs serve as powerful pipelines to Wall Street and premier hedge funds.

・Columbia University: The gold standard for MFE (Financial Engineering).
・New York University (NYU): Build a practical network in the world's financial capital.
・Carnegie Mellon University (CMU): The pinnacle of Computational Finance.
・Baruch College (CUNY): Offers world class placement results with more affordable tuition.

These programs require advanced mathematics as a prerequisite, which most STEM students are well positioned to meet.

2. Humanities and Social Science Students: Entry via Singapore

For students from non STEM backgrounds, such as economics or law, we strongly recommend graduate programs in Singapore.

・Singapore Management University (SMU)
・National University of Singapore (NUS)
・Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Singaporean universities often offer more flexible mathematical prerequisites compared to top U.S. programs. With the right preparation, non STEM students have a real chance at admission. Furthermore, earning a degree in Singapore, a major Asian financial hub, leads directly to recruitment opportunities both locally and in major regional offices.

◼︎Strong Alternatives to Financial Engineering

A Master of Financial Engineering (MFE) is not the only path to success. Many other programs leverage the unique strengths of their respective universities.

・University of Chicago: MS in Financial Mathematics. A premier finance program for young professionals from Chicago’s world renowned Booth School of Business tradition.
・Yale University: Master’s in Asset Management. A highly popular and specialized program focused on the buy side.
・Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Master of Finance. Positioned between financial engineering and traditional finance, offering a wide range of career paths.

◼︎Dominate Your Study Abroad and Career Hunt with Alpha Advisors

The choice of graduate school, what you study there, and how you brand yourself determines whether or not you secure a role as a trader at a top global bank. This strategy is the ultimate factor.

Studying abroad is not the endgame; it is simply the means to achieving your true goal: a job offer from a premier global investment bank. However, navigating the application process for top tier schools and surviving the fierce competition for summer internships entirely on your own is an immense challenge.

"I am serious about becoming a trader at a global investment bank."
"I want to know which graduate programs I can get into with my background."

If this sounds like you, contact Alpha Advisors immediately.

Our team of advisors with top tier track records—including myself, TJ, with experience at a major global trading house, a Chicago Booth MBA, and Goldman Sachs IBD—will rigorously coach you to success.

We will leverage 18 years of proven expertise and know-how to elevate you to a high performance career. Gain the skills to compete on the world stage and build an extraordinary professional future. Let’s start by discussing your personal strategy in a one-on-one session!

Free Consultation Here ＞ Free Consultation

Learn More About Our MBA Advisory Program Trusted by Successful Applicants to Top Global MBAs ＞【Alpha Advisors MBA Study Abroad Support】

【Recommended Articles】If you are considering an MBA, these resources are also highly recommended

・【2025 MBA Round 2 Application Deadlines】How to Get into Harvard, Stanford, Chicago, and Columbia

・【IELTS 7.5 Fast Track Roadmap】How Busy Professionals Can Reach 7.5 in Three Months

・【Top Financial Engineering Programs in Hong Kong】How to Break into Investment Banking, Hedge Funds, and Asset Management

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.