A Comparison of Current Academic and Industry Pedagogies for Developing Traders

Abstract

There is a gap between the knowledge and skills present in graduates of top-flight finance programs and the demands of a modern trading desk. This paper compares the development methodologies common in industry and academia and proposes incremental modifications to existing finance curricula that would produce stronger graduates more able to move directly into commercial positions at financial firms. Changes to introductory finance classes, real-money portfolio management courses, and market simulation programs are discussed.