At a target, but don’t know if I’m cut out for fintech
I am currently a freshman at HYPSW and originally wanted to go into tech but realized that I’m not leveraging the fact that it’s a target school that I go to enough, and I should mix finance in there. I’m majoring in computer science and wanted to go for SWE, but the way I understand it, finance factors in prestige significantly more than your traditional SWE roles do.
It interests me as well. So what I think I am down to is quant SWE roles and quant finance roles (trader, analyst, researcher, etc.). I am majoring in computer science for sure. I never did competition math in high school but all this talk about quant being super smart people and IMO winners, I don’t know if I’m cut out for it and I don’t know if it’s actually that hard. Is the interview process that difficult? Will they shortlist only guys that did really well in international math competitions? I think I am a guy who was lucky to get into my school, and while I don’t think I’m incapable of getting really good at math like that, I’m 100% certainly not as gifted as the typical Olympiad math kid you find at my school.
What’s the best route for me where I can maximize salary while staying in the computer science and finance and fintech space? It is not all money for me—it does actually all interest me genuinely. I don’t want to do IB (doesn’t interest me) or consulting (definitely doesn’t interest me) but they’re both fallbacks.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's not uncommon for students at target schools like HYPSW to feel the pressure of leveraging their school's prestige in the finance industry. Here's some advice tailored to your situation:
Quant Roles: While it's true that quant roles often attract individuals with strong mathematical backgrounds, not all positions require competition-level math skills. Firms do look for strong quantitative skills, but they also value problem-solving abilities, coding expertise, and a solid understanding of financial markets.
Interview Process: The interview process for quant roles can be challenging, but it's not exclusively reserved for math competition winners. It typically involves a mix of math, finance, and coding questions. Preparing thoroughly can significantly improve your chances.
Leveraging Computer Science: With a major in computer science, you're well-positioned for roles in fintech, which is a rapidly growing field that combines finance and technology. You could look into positions such as a quant developer or a software engineer in a financial firm.
Maximizing Salary: To maximize salary while staying true to your interests, consider roles that are in high demand, such as data science, algorithmic trading, or cybersecurity within the financial sector. These roles often offer competitive compensation and are at the intersection of CS and finance.
Fintech Space: Explore startups and established companies in the fintech space. They often look for talent that can bring fresh perspectives and have a strong technical background.
Continuous Learning: Even if you weren't involved in competition math, the willingness to learn and improve is highly valued. Many quant positions provide on-the-job training and value diverse educational backgrounds.
Remember, while prestige can open doors, your skills, passion, and determination are what will ultimately define your career path. Focus on building a strong foundation in both computer science and finance, and be open to internships and networking opportunities that can give you a taste of different roles in the fintech space.
Sources: Dual major in Finance and Computer Science?, Do New Grads In Tech Really Make $250K+ Straight Out Of Undergrad?, What College Major ??, Banking to Software Engineering? All advice appreciated., Q&A: CS/Finance Major -> Software Engineer
Are you targeting only quant roles? You could land as a SWE in technology and reap a decent comp too
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