Need advice on what's out there (pick my career for me)
Hey everyone,
As I look to finish my studies and send out job applications, I'm starting to realize that the corporate world is very wide, highly specialized, and I know about maybe 10% of the jobs out there in the world. I think there may be some things out there I really enjoy that I just don't know about. I have a few specifications of what I want out of a job in general, but after that, I'm really interested in just maximizing future money. Knowing this, can you guys suggest some titles for me?
I am:
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Currently pursuing master's degree in statistics from a non-target state school (but not a dogshit one), bachelors in statistics + minor in econ
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White male early 20's
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Skilled at programming, statistical modeling, normal social skills (not a smelly basement dwelling STEMlord)
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Former data science intern at a small bank, consulting intern before that. I really enjoyed the data science role and found the consulting role to be just okay, a lot of busywork and less stimulating stuff plus unreasonable clients
What I want out of a job:
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Work less than 60 hours/week most weeks
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Travel less than 15% of the year
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Some advanced analysis/modeling, definitely want to put numerical skills to use
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Preferably some programming and modeling work outside of excel, R, Python, C++, SQL, whatever (not a dealbreaker tho)
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more of a meritocracy system in advancement relative to the average corporate job
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Preferably something fast paced
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Fine with high stress/high expectations as long as 70+ hour weeks aren't the norm
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Intellectual environment, smart coworkers
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Nothing that involves talking to people all day like sales (although I have no problem with the amount of interaction required in something like consulting)
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Don't care about industry, willing to work anywhere in the US in any industry as long as the pay is good and the conditions above are met
Anyone have a job that fits that description that I might not have heard of? Any specific type of trading outside of straight quant that seems to be more analytical?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it sounds like you might be a good fit for a role in Quantitative Analysis or Data Science in the finance industry. These roles often involve a lot of statistical modeling and programming, which aligns with your skills and interests.
Quantitative Analysts, for example, use statistical techniques to analyze financial markets, securities, and risk management strategies. They often work with complex mathematical models to generate financial and risk-related data. This role is typically fast-paced and intellectually stimulating, with a strong emphasis on numerical skills.
Data Scientists in finance, on the other hand, use their skills to extract insights from complex financial data sets. They might work on projects related to customer behavior, risk modeling, or investment strategies. This role also involves a lot of programming and statistical analysis.
Both roles are typically meritocratic, with advancement based on performance rather than seniority. They also tend to be intellectually stimulating, with smart coworkers and challenging projects. The hours can be long, but usually not exceeding 60 hours per week.
As for trading roles, you might want to consider something like a Quantitative Trader or a Derivatives Trader. These roles involve using mathematical models to make decisions about buying and selling securities, which could be a good fit for your analytical skills.
Remember, the finance industry is vast and there are many roles that could potentially be a good fit for your skills and interests. It's worth taking the time to research different roles and companies to find the best fit for you. Good luck!
Sources: The Efficient Career Hypothesis: Almost All Jobs Are Priced In, When to jump - Advice on switching jobs, careers, and fields, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/consulting/consultants-i-want-to-know-about-your-job?customgpt=1
You’re not wrong bot, but I know about those already. I was hoping that someone would say that being a commodities trader focused on Peruvian fruit was secretly a great WLB and a ton of merit based money without being as sought after as DS where I pass the Hackerrank and then get rejected by some arbitrary ATS filter after a quick and efficient solution :P
Not sure if you can bump threads in WSO, but I'll bump this anyways
Don't take this the wrong way but you are on the wrong platform.
Sure, there are a few roles in high finance that might fit your description of a dream job: quant, volatility trader, or maybe analyst in a highly specialized fund with a fairly quantitative strategy (e.g. cat bonds).
All of those roles are highly competitive. Your peers are HYP-educated, have some prior experience in that industry, and (most importantly) are passionate about what they are doing. You on the other hand "don't care about industry". Don't get me wrong - that's 100% ok!! You simply wouldn't stand a chance against a nerd who has been coding volatility models since high school.
The only way for you to break into high finance as a quant might be by doing a PhD or starting with a tiny firm and trying to gain some reputation. And if breaking into high finance is not your goal: you are on the wrong platform.
Good luck!
Thanks for the response! I really appreciate it. Yeah, I definitely don't have the "right stuff" to break into quant. Although I'm probably in the top 1% of statistical and mathematical talent, I'm nowhere near the top 1% of the top 1% that is quant. I usually get knocked out at the first take-home exam. I appreciate your direction that I'm probably asking in the wrong place. I was wondering if there was a sneaky not-so-sexy not-so-lucrative position in finance that does some modeling outside of Excel. It seems like this either doesn't exist or wouldn't be known by WSO users, so I appreciate your response.
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