Sophie Scherer Rings Nasdaq’s Closing Bell, Lighting the Path for Women in Quantitative Finance
NC State senior Sophie Scherer rises to Wall Street fame by ringing Nasdaq’s bell and championing diversity in high-stakes finance.
- 10th Anniversary: Girls Who Invest celebrates a decade of empowering women in finance.
- $200,000 Portfolio: Scherer leads student team managing Poole College’s capital.
- Citadel Securities Intern: Scherer joins one of the world’s top trading firms this summer.
A new era in finance is unfolding, and Sophie Scherer is at its forefront. This rising NC State senior and double major in computer science and finance just marked a career-defining milestone: ringing the closing bell at the iconic Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City.
She wasn’t just representing her own achievements—she was celebrating ten years of Girls Who Invest, a nonprofit that ignites opportunities for women in asset management. Surrounded by powerful industry leaders, Scherer embodied not just her ambitions, but the momentum of an industry evolving rapidly—with women fighting for a seat at the world’s wealth management table.
From Early Lessons to Wall Street Heights
Scherer’s journey began early, sparked by her father’s lessons in options trading. But it was a chance encounter with an NC State alum in the trading world that helped her envision a future at the intersection of technology and finance—known today as quantitative finance. At NC State’s Poole College of Management, she discovered her true launchpad.
Not content to just succeed personally, Scherer has taken the reins as managing director of Bell Tower Capital Management. There, she leads a student team managing a real $200,000 portfolio, practicing data-driven investment strategies and decision-making under pressure.
She also founded the university’s first Quantitative Finance Club, opening doors for students—especially women—eager to blend math, coding, and trading. As a campus ambassador for Girls Who Invest, her reputation for mentorship runs strong.
Q: What Does a Quantitative Finance Career Look Like in 2025?
The field is booming. Quantitative finance—where computer science meets investing—requires lightning-fast problem-solving, game theory, and data analysis skills. This year, demand for skilled “quants” in elite firms like Citadel Securities is at an all-time high, as markets lean on AI and big data.
Scherer will join Citadel’s core fundamental equities team as a quant trading intern, facing real-time challenges, rapid learning modules, and strategy showdowns where she’ll pitch trades in a high-speed, real-world arena.
How Did Sophie Prepare for Wall Street?
Scherer’s preparation was relentless. She built side projects, practiced technical interviews, and drew inspiration from industry playbooks like “Heard on the Street” and “Thinking in Bets.” Networking was key—she sought advice from professionals, leveraging every coffee chat and alumni connection.
For future finance leaders, her message rings clear: Start early, ask for help, make connections, and dive into hands-on projects. One conversation can truly re-route your destiny.
Q: Why Does Diversity Still Matter in Finance?
The finance industry is shifting, but progress is slow. Programs like Girls Who Invest have moved the needle—yet women remain underrepresented in trading floors and investment committees. Scherer’s Nasdaq moment showcases what’s possible when relentless effort, support, and opportunity collide.
She insists that elite finance jobs aren’t only for students from Ivy League schools or traditional backgrounds. Hard work and a supportive community can break barriers—and she’s living proof.
How Can Students Jumpstart Their Own Trading Careers?
– Begin building skills early—focus on statistics, coding, and financial theory.
– Join or start campus finance clubs to practice in real settings.
– Seek mentors through alumni networks and organizations like Nasdaq or Girls Who Invest.
– Complete internships for real-world exposure.
– Don’t be afraid to reach out for guidance—industry leaders are often eager to pay it forward.
Take Action: Become the Next Finance Trailblazer
The future of finance is data-driven, diverse, and wide open for innovators like Sophie Scherer. Ready to make your own mark? Start now with these steps:
- Build technical and financial skills (coding, math, investing basics).
- Network with industry professionals and alumni.
- Engage in student clubs and manage real or simulated portfolios.
- Apply for programs like Girls Who Invest or seek top internships.
- Stay curious, work hard, and always help others along the way.
Be bold—every bell rung today echoes in the careers of tomorrow’s leaders.