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Rotman 2026 — What It Actually Felt Like
Rotman 2026 — What It Actually Felt Like
Representing Rutgers MQF at the Rotman International Trading Competition 2026 was one of the most intense experiences I’ve been part of.
From the moment the competition started, it didn’t feel like a simulation.
It felt like being placed directly into a live trading environment where every second mattered.
The Competition
Over two days, we went through multiple cases including:
- Volatility Trading
- Merger Arbitrage
- Market Making
- Liquidity Execution
- Energy Trading
Each case demanded a completely different mindset, and switching between them quickly was not easy.
The pace was relentless.
There was no time to fully process everything — decisions had to be made instantly.
How We Performed as a Team
As a team, we stayed focused on executing cleanly.
There were moments where:
- trades went in our favor
- trades didn’t go as expected
but overall, we kept our structure intact and avoided losing control under pressure.
We worked closely throughout:
- communicating quickly
- adjusting when needed
- staying aligned even when things became chaotic
It wasn’t about trying to do something extraordinary — it was about staying composed and consistent.
The Environment
The setup made everything feel real:
- Multiple screens running simultaneously
- Constant price updates
- Limited time to react
- No pause to rethink decisions
At some points, it felt overwhelming.
At others, it felt incredibly engaging.
The line between thinking and acting became very thin.
The Open-Outcry Session
The open-outcry session stood out the most.
It was loud, fast, and completely different from screen-based trading.
There was no time to think in detail — only to react.
It brought out:
- instinct
- confidence
- and how comfortable you are under pressure
It was chaotic, but at the same time, one of the most exciting parts of the competition.
What It Felt Like
The experience was a mix of:
- pressure
- excitement
- uncertainty
- and constant awareness
There were moments where everything felt under control, and moments where things moved faster than expected.
Competing alongside strong teams from around the world made it even more intense.
It was a reminder of the level at which others are operating, and how much there is still to improve.
Final Reflection
Looking back, the competition was both exhilarating and humbling.
It pushed us into a space where:
- thinking fast mattered
- staying calm mattered
- and execution mattered
More than anything, it was an experience that stays with you even after it ends.
Grateful for the opportunity, the team, and the environment that made it all possible.