"The most important thing is to identify what you are passionate about and what fulfills you. A job that embodies this can then be found."

EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TRIESTE:

Bachelor's Degree in Physics

Master's Degree in Nuclear and Subnuclear Physics

FURTHER EDUCATION:

Utrecht University: PhD in Physics

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: Postdoc @ CERN

How has your educational path influenced your career choices?

I have always enjoyed puzzles and riddles from La Settimana Enigmistica. Studying Physics catered to this hobby while also expanding my mathematical knowledge, particularly in data analysis and statistical modeling. Being in an international context opened my eyes to job opportunities, both inside and outside academia, for someone with my interests and skills.

What does your job involve?

IMC is a company focused on algorithmic, high-frequency trading. The role of a quantitative trader is to design, program, and manage trading strategies. In practice, this means data analysis, creating statistical models to predict markets (using machine learning techniques), programming, performance monitoring, and monetization.

Why did you decide to apply to the company you work for?

After 10 years in Physics (between studies and research contracts), it felt right to try something different. Ideally, I was looking for a job that combined mathematical modeling and data analysis, a bit of programming, a good salary, and Amsterdam. Finance was one of the areas I was interested in exploring further. In the end, more by chance than by design, I came across IMC, which offered me a position as a quant, summarizing exactly what I was looking for. The transition from physics to finance was very smooth: I went from researching models for elementary particles to those for financial markets, using the same techniques and knowledge.

Do you feel you have grown professionally? What skills have you acquired?

Definitely. From a technical standpoint, I have developed my knowledge in machine learning and, in general, technologies suited for extremely low latencies and high precision. From a managerial perspective, I have had the opportunity to manage projects, lead a trading desk, and oversee groups of programmers, researchers, and traders. Additionally, the financial environment presents a fairly obvious goal and metric for success, which encourages pragmatism and stimulates the development of decision-making skills.

What would you advise a recent graduate?

To focus on their interests and strengths. To explore possibilities and opportunities outside the predefined academic and career paths. And to have an experience abroad.

 

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