Advice For a Scientist Ready to Play the Field
Hi all,
About my background: BS & PhD in chemical physics from Caltech/MIT, have been a postdoctoral fellow for 1 year. GPAs 3.9 (ug) and 4.0 (g) - well published, several awards/fellowships in my field. My research has been theoretical - paper and pencil theory as well as computational - working in quantum dynamics, experience in Fortran, C++, Matlab, etc.
I would like to get into finance - my interest began when I had been contacted by a headhunter about quant positions at prop trading firms. Prior to this, I had never considered finance. While I would be interested in pursuing quant-type positions, I'm thinking I would rather try to get into trading positions. I have no formal training in finance (aside from some econometrics and game theory classes in college) - but have been trying to teach myself the basics.
My questions are -
1) Do I have a shot at anything other than quant-type jobs with my background (and lack of formal finance training)?
2) Are there any firms that would particularly look favorably upon someone with my background?
3) Also, any other headhunters that people would recommend that specialize in placing PhD's? I would be especially interested in firms in Chicago over NYC, but am flexible.
4) Any other positions that I should be looking at?
5) Most important things to study/learn for a potential trader?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
This is just my thoughts on the type of people I have met during my internships etc. (also, may I add that it feels weird consulting someone of your caliber within academia. quite impressive really.)
I feel that a lot of professionals and specialists are very marketable within Investment Banking or Private Equity firms that have divisions that are associated with what you have studied. This is because many bankers are oblivious to the actual science behind some of the firms they cover. I have met a lot of people that have come out of a phD in ChemE etc. that are high ups in a industrials division or healthcare division for big banks and pe firms.
If you would like to talk in more depth feel free to PM me. But please keep in mind, that I am just an undergrad that will start his full-time career upon graduation.
oh btw. i am going into Sales and Trading, so I would love to talk to you about prospects within that field, however again... i am limited as just an undergrad. I would rather you reach out to more professional people in this blog.
Headhunters for Quants:
Analytic Recruiting IJC Partners Traber Fitzpatrick NJF Search
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