Jul 31 • Anna Buckley

Duke Student Kechun Wu on AmplifyME Pathways

From simulated trading floors to real-world opportunities, Duke University student Kechun Wu shares how AmplifyME’s University Pathways programme gave him hands-on experience, clarified his career interests, and opened doors to top-tier interviews.
For many aspiring finance professionals, understanding how markets really work goes beyond classroom theory. That’s where AmplifyME’s University Pathways programme comes in, providing hands-on simulations that immerse students in trading, investment banking, and market decision-making.
We spoke with Duke University student Kechun Wu to hear how the programme enhanced his skills, shaped his career ambitions, and helped him access real opportunities in finance.

Kechun Wu, Duke University

Studying Economics and Computer Science | Interested in sales & trading

Why Finance?

Kechun’s interest in finance grew as he explored how theoretical knowledge connects to the fast-paced world of markets.
“I study Economics and Computer Science at Duke. I first heard about the programme through the Duke Financial Economics Center’s advertising.”

Applying Classroom Knowledge to Real-World Finance

The Pathways simulations gave Kechun the chance to turn theory into practical experience.
“Sales and trading is one of those careers where you really have to experience it to understand it. I think it’s hard to imagine what the role actually feels like without doing a simulation. In class, we might learn how public markets work or what a sell-side investment bank does, but there’s no real way to apply that knowledge.

For example, we learned that bond prices and yields move in opposite directions, but how do you actually adjust your bid-ask spread in real time? And how much should you quote in terms of size? That’s the kind of thing you only learn by doing, which is exactly what the simulation helped with.”

A Standout Simulation Moment

Among all the sessions, one experience left a lasting impression on Kechun.
“I completed the Sales & Trading / Global Markets simulation, and I remember being impressed by how realistic it was. Seeing the trading screen and being able to adjust my quotes in real time was a first for me; that moment definitely stood out.”

Discovering a Passion for Markets

The programme helped Kechun redefine his career focus.
“For a long time, I assumed I wanted to go into investment banking, not necessarily because I liked it, but because it’s the most talked-about path at Duke. It wasn’t until the simulation that I realized I’m actually more interested in the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the markets. That helped shift my focus.”

Building Confidence for a Finance Career

Completing the simulations gave Kechun a stronger understanding of the industry.
“Definitely. I learned a lot about what it actually means to work in the industry, not just through the simulation itself, but also through the supporting learning materials.”

Unlocking Career Opportunities

Pathways didn’t just enhance Kechun’s skills, it opened doors to new professional possibilities.
“Yes. After being identified as a High Potential Candidate, I was referred to AmplifyMe’s partner firms. I got an interview with UBS without having to network extensively, which I think was due to the internal referral. Of course, once you’re at the Superday, it’s up to you to perform, but I wouldn’t have made it there without the programme.”
Discover how University Pathways boosts student employability and bridges the gap between academia and industry!