About Nisha, MBA Feb ’26:
- Master’s Graduation Class: MFin Feb 2026
- Undergraduate School and Major: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT, India) and Chemical Engineering
- Incoming Employer and Job Title: BNP Paribas, Quant Trader
Quant Industry & Recruiting
1. For MFins in the career exploration stage, when deciding between quant and non-quant roles, how did you determine which path to take?
I came into MIT with an inclination toward quantitative finance, given my engineering background. Still, I wanted to explore a wide range of opportunities while here. I participated in stock pitches and spoke with professionals in investment banking and equity research to gain a better understanding of those fields. Ultimately, I chose to pursue quantitative finance because of my enduring interest in the subject and my strong familiarity with it.
2. What aspects of quant trading excited you the most when considering your career options?
What excites me most is the opportunity to stay sharp and intellectually engaged every day. I thrive in the fast-paced, dynamic environment of a trading floor. The constant hustle and energy motivate me. The challenge of generating returns feels both rewarding and adventurous, and I know this is the kind of work I would genuinely look forward to each day.
3. Could you describe how you prepared for the technical aspects of your interview? What resources or materials did you find most useful when preparing for your technical interviews?
For quant interviews, I found the Green Book to be the most useful resource. In addition, my core MFin courses, such as Advanced Mathematics and Financial Markets, were extremely helpful in strengthening my foundations. I also made it a habit to read market news and blogs daily, which helped me stay on top of developments and build strong market intuition.
Career Advice
1. What resources did you find most helpful at MIT Sloan during your recruiting journey?
I think MIT Sloan provides many valuable opportunities, from career advising and company events to networking nights and alumni sessions. I learned a great deal through these experiences about the industry and its expectations. My advisor, Maggie, was also a constant source of support—always available to guide me and help with both professional and personal aspects of the program.
2. What role did networking play in your job search, and how did you approach building connections in the industry?
Networking played a major role in helping me secure my internship and eventually convert it into a full-time offer. For me, networking was never just about finding a job. It was about learning from alumni and professionals across the industry. I focused on building genuine connections by showing interest in their work, asking thoughtful questions, and staying curious. Over time, I realized that networking is a skill that improves with practice: you learn to ask better questions, engage more naturally, and grow more confident in these conversations.
3. If there’s one thing you would do differently in your recruiting, what would it be?
One thing I would do differently is start applying earlier. Initially, I thought I should study and practice until I felt fully prepared, but I realized you actually improved the most through the process of interviews and online assessments themselves. Each interview teaches you far more than you can learn on your own. Failing one is fine, as long as you take away the lessons. Now I see every interview as a win. You either get the offer, or you gain valuable learning.
