RITC presents teams with six simulated trading cases that closely mimic different aspects of real world markets. These include commodities trading, credit risk, sales and trading—each of which Baruch won—equity valuation, where Baruch placed second, and algo trading where Baruch ranked third. There is also a competition for quant outcry.

Even with different backgrounds and motivations for choosing financial engineering, Baruch’s team operated as a united front at RITC and in the end, had a tremendous bonding experience. In addition to the thrill of competition, RITC gives students real-world skills and a competitive edge in the job market.

In 2016, Baruch’s strategy was to follow best practices established in preparing for the cases and adapt them swiftly in changing market conditions. Baruch’s success attributed to a new elective course, “Fundamentals of Trading”, introduced in Fall 2015. Taught by Jarrod Pickens, PhD, a math professor who also served as the team’s coach, the course introduced students to a simulated trading book and led them to implement various trading strategies while managing the risk of their positions.