Question 1

Do I need prior trading or finance experience to join or compete?

Accepted Answer

No. The club recruits based on strong quantitative ability and curiosity, not finance background. Many members joined with little to no trading experience. The Berkeley Trading Competition is similarly open to newcomers with no trading experience.

Question 2

What is the DeCal and how is it different from just attending club events?

Accepted Answer

IEOR 198 is a for-credit, student-led course meeting once a week for two hours, covering market making, game theory, risk management, options theory, statistical models, and machine learning, plus weekly assignments and a final coding project. The first lecture is open to all; subsequent sessions require enrollment or auditing.

Question 3

What happens at Fall Trading Weekend and who can attend?

Accepted Answer

Fall Trading Weekend is three events over one weekend: a Quant Finance Career Fair (open to all Berkeley students), a Poker Tournament with an open qualifier, and the Berkeley Trading Invitational, a fast-paced market-making and game-theory competition that requires an application and invitation. The weekend draws 1,000+ participants total.

Question 4

What does the club membership recruitment process look like?

Accepted Answer

Recruitment runs each semester and includes six stages: an optional coffee chat, info sessions, a written application (resume and statement of interest), an invite-only technical interview, an invite-only social mixer with all members, and a final interview with the executive board.

Question 5

Does the Berkeley Trading Competition cover travel costs for out-of-town participants?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Traders at Berkeley covers accommodation for traveling participants, and details about transportation reimbursement are sent to accepted competitors. Breakfast and lunch are served each day of the competition.