Learn Alternative Data
Before You Need It
Alternative data is standard practice at investment firms, but it is never taught in university. This free program gives students a practical introduction to what it is and how it is used, before they ever set foot in a fund.
The Problem We're Solving
Alternative data is standard practice at most major investment firms, yet it is rarely covered in university finance programs. Students typically don't encounter it until they've already landed a job at a fund. This program is about closing that gap by giving students a real introduction to what alt data is before they enter the workforce.
What Is Alternative Data?
Understand what alternative data is, where it comes from, and why it exists as a category separate from traditional financial data.
Why Funds Use It
Learn why investment firms use alt data in their research process and how it fits alongside traditional financial analysis.
Types of Alt Data Sources
Learn about the different categories of alt data, what each one measures, and what kinds of business questions each is suited to answer.
Reading the Signals
Learn how to read alt data charts and understand what different signals actually represent in the context of a business.
From Data to Thesis
See how analysts use alt data to build a structured view on a company and support a research write-up.
Hands-On with Real Data
Practice with live TickerTrends data across real public companies, the same platform that professional analysts use.
What You Get
Everything students need to understand alternative data, in one place and completely free.
Free Certificate
Earn a verified TickerTrends Alternative Data Certificate upon completing all modules and the capstone project.
Real Sample Data
Learn with real data samples from the TickerTrends platform so you can see what alt data actually looks like in practice.
Community Access
Join a cohort of students who are all learning alt data at the same time. Ask questions, share notes, and work through the material together.
Self-Paced Learning
Work through modules at your own pace, with no deadlines and no pressure. Designed to fit around your coursework.
Resume Credential
Stand out in recruiting with a tangible alt-data credential that buy-side firms recognize and respect.
Practical Projects
Build a portfolio of real investment memos and data analyses you can present directly to employers.
Course Curriculum
We're putting the finishing touches on the curriculum. Apply now to be notified the moment it launches.
Coming Soon
The full curriculum, covering introductory alt-data concepts through hands-on research projects, is currently in development. Early applicants will receive priority access and updates.
Get Early AccessWho This Program Is For
If you're a student who wants to work in investing, you're already behind the students who've had access to professional-grade data tools. This program levels the playing field. No prior experience required.
- Undergraduate and graduate students interested in investment careers
- Aspiring buy-side analysts, PMs, and equity research associates
- Students actively recruiting for hedge funds, asset managers, or banks
- Anyone who has heard "alternative data" and wants to actually understand it
Learn it before you need it.
Most students don't encounter alternative data until they're already working at a fund. This program gives you that foundation early.
Apply Now, It's FreeNo credit card required. No commitment.
Good for the Hiring Pool
Every student who completes this program has taken the time to understand what alternative data is and how it fits into investment research. That is a meaningful signal before the first interview.
The TickerTrends certificate is a verifiable credential. When you see it on a resume, you know the candidate has studied alt data concepts, worked with real data samples, and completed a structured research project. That is not something most programs produce.
Pre-Educated Candidates
Program graduates understand the alt data ecosystem before they start. Less ramp-up time, sharper conversations in interviews.
Verified, Not Self-Reported
The certificate is issued by TickerTrends on completion. It means the student has done the work, not just added a buzzword to their resume.
Access to a Motivated Cohort
Applicants are students actively preparing for buy-side careers. The program self-selects for people who take investing seriously.
No Cost to Your Firm
This program is free for students and free to partner with. We built it because the knowledge gap benefits no one in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apply for the Program
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