Pros
The global alpha research (GAR) program is an opportunity to work remotely using Trexquant's development platform to gain first-hand experience in how to make alpha signals with the help of a mentoring PM. Run by the smartest people who are always just a phone call or email away when you need help. Each week we have to update management on the progress we've made on the research projects they've assigned us, and they always follow up with specific feedback and advice to improve our work within 30 minutes. I've only been here for a month so far and am still "training," but they take my work very seriously (and compensate you!) and really want to help us understand the way their arbitrage business is run. I'm extremely impressed by how patient everyone is when they explain something I didn't understand before. At first it takes a little time to get used to their system, which is why they give you a week to play around and get comfortable with their platform and research process. For someone with a math or science background that hasn't had a finance internship before, this is a perfect introduction to the world of investment management, and it is easy to see how one can make a long-term career at Trexquant if they put in the effort. The interview process is typical for a research position: phone screening, then a small coding project, and then a week long mini research report (which is more to help you get used to their research process). Work life balance is great, especially since I'm also concurrently an undergraduate at school: workload is about 30 hours a week (but should decrease over time as you get used to their system and research methods).
Cons
Not a con, but a caveat: it is up to YOU to make the most out of the GAR program. They are a small firm and you need to be responsible for your own work.