How to get a top Quant Researcher/Trader Job?
Hi everyone,
I was wondering how hard it would be to get a top quant job at firms like DE Shaw, Two Sigma, AQR, Citadel, etc. I currently go to a semi target (rising sophomore) as a math and CS major (possibly removing one and inserting physics). I've also been looking at tech, which I'm also interested in, but I would rather take a quant job because the bonus is usually cash, not RSU, and the work is just as interesting. I feel like having cash on me to invest right away and pay off student debt is the better choice.
I have a high GPA and have taken some advanced coursework in math, CS, and physics (Probability Theory, Real Analysis, ODE, Data Structures, Intermediate Mechanics). I plan on taking the putnam in the winter and I am taking the putnam seminar in the fall along with Abstract Algebra, Number Theory, and Computational Complexity.
My main concerns are: 1. If I'm qualified at all. 2. My school is not targeted by quant firms at all (I think) so should I try to transfer? Most of the people getting hired over here are grad students, but undergrads elsewhere are being hired. 3. I'm also looking for any other suggestions on good finance firms and jobs for me. 4. Will building a good reputation on sites such as topcoder and codeforces help me? 5. What should I be doing right now?
~any help is appreciated
At big tech companies RSUs are pretty much cash. Your W2 income will still be pretty juicy - general guidance is auto-sell upon vest.
most investment banks have quant developer roles seeking a variety of experience levels. I see many roles for masters and phd degrees with specific math/programming skillsets.
For example, i see a bank interest rates swaption desk is looking for a quant developer to work on exotic pricing and hedging models with Python, R, Matlab ect... This is a great role if you want to get into trading interest rate swaptions. After 2 years in this role, the natural progression is to move onto the swaption trading desk, if you were so inclined.
The same scenario applies to other trading desks. Just find job listings for a specific type of desk, you will see mentions of needed skills (building curves, specific option models, monte carlo, etc...). So, find a role (or a few roles) that interests you, and then make sure you take classes that teach those skills. Then you will easily be able to get a quant developer role for one of those, and then you will have many career options (no pun intended).
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