Bill Wei, a 2023 graduate from the Costello College of Business at George Mason University, is currently working as a technology intern at the New York-based hedge fund Alphadyne Asset Management while simultaneously pursuing a master’s degree in financial engineering at New York University. As an international student from China, Bill’s journey is one of hard work, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning.
Having completed his early education in China, Bill made the bold decision to leave his home country and attend university in the United States. Despite the initial excitement, the transition was far from easy, with him having to adapt to a completely new environment and culture while also learning to communicate in a different language. But he didn’t let that stop him. A stellar student with a strong passion for math, computer science, and finance, Bill found a place to combine all three on George Mason’s Montano Student Managed Investment Fund Risk Committee. This experience gave him an early, hands-on introduction to the financial world, something that would later prove pivotal as he entered the industry.
Breaking into finance as an international student was no easy feat. Bill shared that he applied to more than 1,000 positions in his search for a role in quantitative finance. He was determined to become a quant, and his dedication paid off. Today, Bill’s daily routine is a balancing act of rigorous professional and academic demands. Before arriving at the office by 8:30 a.m., he’s already scanning market news to prepare for the trading day. At work, he spends much of his time coding— primarily in Python and C#— and analyzing how trades impact the firm’s profit and loss. After his workday ends, he heads straight to class at NYU, where he immerses himself in strict coursework (he even mentioned that one of his classes requires writing all code by hand).
When asked what advice he would offer students hoping to enter the quant world, Bill was clear: "Know your technicals." While networking remains important, he emphasized that in quantitative finance, technical skills like coding, statistics, and market knowledge are essential. He also encourages students to stay curious, understand the companies and career paths they’re pursuing, and always be willing to take on more responsibility and new challenges.
Looking ahead, Bill aspires to become a portfolio manager, but for now, he remains focused on deepening his skills and broadening his understanding of the markets. His journey, from overcoming cultural and language barriers to landing a role in one of the most competitive sectors of finance, is a powerful reminder that persistence, passion, and a willingness to learn can open doors, no matter how challenging the path. For students at George Mason and beyond, Bill Wei’s story offers not just inspiration but a roadmap for success!