In the fast-paced world of finance, where innovation meets tradition, rising senior Sophie Scherer is carving out a unique path. With a double major in computer science and finance and a minor in Spanish, Scherer recently experienced a significant milestone by ringing the closing bell at Nasdaq. This event was not only a personal achievement but also a celebration of progress within the finance industry.
Scherer was invited to participate in this symbolic act in New York City as part of the Girls Who Invest alumni board, marking the 10th anniversary of the program. Standing among accomplished female investors, Scherer reflected on the industry’s evolution and the abundant opportunities that await the next generation in finance. “It was an unforgettable experience,” she shared. “Standing beside so many accomplished female investors reminded me of how far the industry has come, and how much opportunity still lies ahead for the next generation in finance.”
The journey to this moment was marked by years of dedication and exploration, much of which was nurtured at NC State Poole College of Management. Scherer’s interest in finance and computer science was kindled early on, thanks to her father’s introduction to options trading. However, it wasn’t until she encountered an NC State alum working in trading that she realized her potential in quantitative finance, a field that perfectly marries her twin passions.
“I’ve always loved solving problems in fast-paced environments,” Scherer explained. “Quant trading combines game theory, data science, and math to drive real-world impact. And best of all, I get to work on collaborative teams tackling high-stakes challenges.”
At Poole, Scherer found fertile ground for her ambitions. She currently leads as the managing director of Bell Tower Capital Management, a student organization where she guides a team managing a $200,000 undergraduate investment portfolio. She also co-founded NC State’s first Quantitative Finance Club, creating a community for peers interested in data-driven investing. Scherer continues her involvement as a campus ambassador for Girls Who Invest, fostering inclusivity in finance.
“Start early. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others. One conversation can change your whole career trajectory,” she advises aspiring finance professionals.
This summer, Scherer will further hone her skills with a prestigious internship at Citadel Securities, a leading trading firm. As a quant trading intern, she will join the fundamental equities team, engaging in project-based work, internal education programs, strategy competitions, and pitching trade ideas in a high-speed environment.
Securing this internship was no small feat; it was the product of years of strategic preparation. Scherer meticulously built her personal projects, networked, practiced technical interviews, and drew inspiration from influential books like “Heard on the Street” and “Thinking in Bets.”
Scherer’s commitment to finance extends beyond personal achievement. She is dedicated to making the industry more inclusive, encouraging those from non-traditional backgrounds to pursue their dreams. “Don’t limit yourself just because you don’t come from a ‘target school’ or a typical background,” she emphasized. “With hard work and the right support, you can achieve more than you think. Most importantly, pay it forward.”
The Poole community has played a pivotal role in Scherer’s journey. She attributes much of her success to the support and challenges offered by professors, advisors, student leaders, and mentors. Bobby Puryear, Scherer’s Park Scholar mentor, noted, “Sophie is constantly engaged in future planning that embraces pre- and post-graduation options and possibilities. She excels inside and outside of the classroom.”
Reflecting on her journey, Scherer expressed gratitude for the opportunities she encountered. “Thanks to Poole, the Park Scholarships Program, and the students who came before me, I’ve walked through doors I didn’t even know existed,” she said. “I look forward to helping open those doors for future students.”
Note: This article is inspired by content from https://poole.ncsu.edu/news/2025/06/05/poole-student-rings-nasdaq-bell-paving-her-path-in-quant-finance/. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.