It's possible to make money but that really is the least of your worries. I know that most people have problems just having a positive PNL post on their account, but if they ever figure out that problem they will run into another problem. That problem is getting PNL to covers costs both economic and accounting costs, which is quite another story. It's quite easy to be a profitable trader and be like the typical brick and mortar storeowner and just barely get by.
If done correctly profits can be over 1 million a day consistently. How to get there: get good grades, and hang out with people in the know. Then work hard to be able to work for a company that makes sick money and realize that these companies exist for a reason.
Isn't Knight Capital the expert when it comes to automated trading? I suppose we should be soliciting their opinion.