Quantitative Analyst - Career advice
Hi all. I am an undergraduate student studying mathematics and I am going to apply for a master course. My dream job is to become a Quantitative Analyst. I have two options now: the first one is to apply for a master in Finance while the second is to apply for a master in Financial Mathematics. In your opinion, which of them is the best choice for reaching my goal? Thanks in advance!
Hi Chrisbougias, just trying to help:
If we're lucky, maybe I can guilt some users to help you out: Color_anylst Wisconsin Oldmanmarley
Hope that helps.
Honestly? Neither.
If you want to work purely as a quant, then you should be looking at Phd programs, not Masters. The top shops will want you to have a Phd. I'm not saying you need a Phd, but that's just what the shops look for. I don't agree with it, but you can't change it.
So if you only want to do a masters, then I would be looking at something like applied statistics or math, maybe even computer science. I would do that because at that point you could work as a data scientist. Its not exactly quant work but its pretty damn close and data science is in incredible demand and you'll have options for jobs both in and out of finance.
No matter which road you choose, make sure you come out of it with the ability to write code too, that will help immensely.
Questions on Career as Quantitative Analyst (Originally Posted: 08/15/2012)
Hello WSO,
I am currently an undergraduate computer engineering major (EE and CS) who just finished his first year. To be honest, I have never known much about the world of finance and I am just starting to realize how much more exists out there than software/hardware development. As such, I have been interested in how my CE degree could perhaps translate into a career in finance and quantitative analysis in particular has caught my eye.
Basically, I would like to know what kinds of additional preparations I would have to do to become a quant and a bit more about their lifestyles:
From what I can understand, an advanced degree is necessary so I am thinking about attaining a masters in financial engineering; what other degrees are available or better?
Should I take additional courses outside of my major during my undergrad such as math/finance/stats, or is it better to finish my degree a year early and just learn these things from the masters program?
Is it better to pursue internships in the finance field or just focus on CS/EE internships?
Is the job market for quants strong? Some sites say quants are in high demand and others say quants are readily available and one needs a PHD + several years of experience to stand out.
What other opportunities/careers in finance exist for me? I heard finance companies recruit from engineering as well, not just from business majors.
My main concern about working as a quant is that it seems to be completely technical work and narrowly-focused, whereas I also have some interest in determining the direction of a project or company (which seems to be more in the field of management i would guess?).
Sorry for the long post and thanks in advanced for anyone that can help.
The biggest barrier you will face is having a track record of using C++/Java outside of an academic scenario.
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