Naman, Statistics and Mathematics ’27
| Updated:
Author: acnels
Naman
Major
Statistics and Mathematics
Summer 2026 Internship
Quant Research Intern at QuantInsti (Quantitative Learning Pvt. Ltd)
What advice do you have for students regarding internship/job searches?
“Start early and be consistent. Apply to multiple roles and don’t be discouraged by rejections they’re part of the process. Focus on building projects that demonstrate your skills, especially if you don’t have prior experience. Tailor your resume for each role and be ready to clearly explain your projects and thought process in interviews. Networking and reaching out to people in your field can also open unexpected opportunities.”
How did you find out about the internship(s)/job(s)? What did the process look like from applying, interviewing, etc.?
“I found this internship through my interest in algorithmic trading and quantitative finance and I researched through multiple recruiting platforms. I had been actively learning about trading strategies and machine learning, which led me to explore opportunities in this field. The process involved demonstrating my understanding of Python, data analysis, and basic trading concepts. I also discussed my prior projects and interest in applying data science to financial markets. After that, I was selected for the role, where I worked on developing coding examples, answering student queries, and creating educational content related to algorithmic trading.”
Did you attend any ISU Career Fairs? If yes, which fairs did you attend? How did you prepare to speak with employers?
“Yes, I attended ISU career fairs. Before attending, I researched companies I was interested in and prepared a short introduction about myself, including my skills and projects. I also practiced explaining my experience clearly and confidently. During the fair, I focused on having meaningful conversations rather than just handing out my resume.”
How has the job/internship helped you prepare for your next career steps?
“This internship helped me apply concepts from statistics and machine learning to real-world problems. I gained experience in Excel, Python, data analysis, and algorithmic thinking, and improved my ability to explain technical concepts clearly. It also gave me a better understanding of the quantitative finance field and how to approach problem-solving in a professional setting.”
What advice do you have for students seeking work experience in their field of study?
“Start working on projects as early as possible, even if they are small. Practical experience is just as important as coursework. Try to apply what you learn in class to real-world problems, and don’t be afraid to explore new areas. Getting involved in research, clubs, or internships can also help you build both technical and professional skills.”
How has the internship helped you prepare for your next career steps?
“I’ve done a lot of networking while serving as a member with AmeriCorps 4-H. A big part of what I do is outreach. As a result, I have a lot of connections on the ISU campus and in the Ames community. Another perk of my position is that I get a personalized career coach, a program that is completely free to me. My career coach works for the Youth Mental Health Corps on a national level. They’ll call me every once in a while, to discuss career and academic goals. Another perk of the program is free professional development training. I’m currently doing a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) training program, which includes a certificate upon completion, which is widely known amongst psychology professionals!”
What are your plans after graduation?
“After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in quantitative analysis, data science, or machine learning, where I can apply statistical and computational methods to solve real-world problems. I am also considering pursuing a PhD in a related field in the future, depending on my interests and experiences in industry and research.”
Have you taken or are you currently enrolled in LAS 2030, the LAS Professional Career Preparation Course? If yes, how did this course help you?
“Yes, LAS 2030 helped me better understand how to build a strong resume, prepare for interviews, and explore career paths related to my major. It gave me a clearer direction and helped me feel more confident in the internship search process.”
Have you used any resources provided by LAS Career Services (i.e., attended webinars, information sessions, advising appointments, website resources, other)? How was this service helpful to you?
“Yes, I have used LAS Career Services website resources, which helped me explore internship opportunities, improve my resume, and better understand the job application process. These resources gave me a clearer idea of how to approach internship searches and present my skills effectively.”