Computer programming a prerequisite for quantitative jobs?

Hey everyone. I'm currently at a target school planning on studying Economics and minoring in Math. Recently I've been strongly considering changing that minor into a major. Not only do I really like the math courses I've been taking, I think that a math major might also require me to be more competitive throughout OCR.

However in looking over some job descriptions posted through OCR, I've realized that many quantitative jobs suggest computer programming skills in C, C#, C++, Java, etc. My question is: is computer programming a prerequisite for these types of jobs? Or is it simply a suggestion. Would I be competitive with higher level math in these positions or should I pursue some programming classes in order to become competitive in this area?

3 Comments
 

I majored in Econ and minored in Math. If you're at a target, an Econ major and math minor would get you IB / Asset Management and S&T roles. However if you're interested in anything quantitative (HFT, PM, Exotics Trading, structured finance etc) a math major with an econ/finance minor would serve you way better. Of course, a double major would be ideal given you can finish it in reasonable cost/time.

For programming, focus on diversifying across types' of languages instead of learning the same type -

Object Oriented - C++ Research - R, MATLAB Scripting - Perl, Python Queries - SQL

 

Agree with oliver. Double-major instead, Econ + Math... you can learn programming on your own. Try to get internships where you'll be programming. For many jobs, it's not a suggestion... it's a requirement.

I'll do what I can to help ya'll. But, the game's out there, and it's play or get played.
 

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