Quantitative Research Exit Opportunities
I'm looking for advice on a possible good long-term career/ exit opportunities that would fit me,
For context, I'm a senior graduating in May with degrees in Math and Econ and certificates in Statistics and CS. I'm starting a full-time job in QR this summer. It has been my long-term goal since high school to get into quant, and now that I have finally reached it, I'm not sure what to do next. I also did an internship this past summer in quant (at a different firm), and I did not like it as much as I hoped I would; part of this was due to not clicking well with my team. The summer before that, I did a data science internship at a bank; the work there was interesting but, honestly, too slow and inefficient for me. However, due to having a fantastic manager and team, I had an amazing time overall.
I'm naturally very creative, and I originally wanted to go to art school and study fine art and/or art history. I also love working with and helping people and doing a lot of planning/ managing work (I've held many leadership roles throughout high school and college). I hate monotonous work and love when I have different responsibilities/ tasks at once. I don't mind working a lot/all the time as long as I switch between various tasks and projects. I hate it when I have to work on numerous things at my desk for days/weeks all the time. But at the same time, I enjoy having a few hours in a day where I get to work 'in peace' on a longer-term project, i.e., not responding to emails all day.
So, what potential experienced jobs/ careers would you recommend that meet my background and wants? I don't mind staying for a bit or even a while (5-10 years) in my current role if I'll like my team and work. However, I have extra time before work starts, so I want to develop some ideas for my next 'goal.' I also don't mind taking a pay cut from the lucrative QR salary. Some jobs that my friends already recommended to me;
Headhunter - I'll get to work with various candidates and help them reach their goals.
Consulting - I'll be working and constantly communicating with clients and fellow team members, being staffed on numerous things at once, and always having things to work on (a good mix of short-term and long-term tasks).
Project Management - I'll use my 'type A' personality with my leadership and planning skills to help optimize the completion of various projects and tasks.
Like I've mentioned, there's also a great chance I will love my team and QR job and want to stay for a while. But I want to be ahead and prepare for my possible options, especially since I have ~5 months, during which I have very little work and responsibilities.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some potential exit opportunities and career paths that align with your background, interests, and goals:
1. Consulting
2. Project Management
3. Headhunting/Recruiting
4. Product Management in Tech or FinTech
5. Data Science or Analytics Leadership Roles
6. Creative Roles in Finance or Tech
7. Entrepreneurship
8. Academia or Teaching
Preparation During Your Free Time:
Each of these paths offers a mix of creativity, leadership, and variety, which seem to be key drivers for you. If you find yourself enjoying your QR role, you can always revisit these options later.
Sources: Q&A: Quantitative Analyst - Machine Learning, Analytics, & Quantitative Research/Investing, Deciding on quantitive majors/career path?, Most sought-after skills for Quantitative research position, Quant Researcher in Quant Funds: Dead-End Career Path?, Advice On a Career
My brother, you are the exit
I understand your desire to look ahead to the future - it is always good to have a general idea of what comes next. But man sounds like you are looking a tad too far. Your goal right now is figuring out how to be successful in your first job and QR in general. You haven't even started this path and you are already thinking about what comes next?
QR can be a pretty tough path if you are unlucky. Retention is generally pretty low and people find themselves pigeonholed and unable to jump ship. There is a ton of luck around a long QR career.
I would suggest finding opportunities to expand past just research skills and focus on some of the areas in coding/engineering. This will expand you opportunity to SWE/QD/product roles in the future.
Harum eos maiores exercitationem itaque voluptate quas in. Et aliquam distinctio et incidunt quis voluptates eligendi non. Fugiat ab dolorum doloribus distinctio ab repellendus iste voluptatem. Sit animi et cum laborum. Laborum autem suscipit provident sequi quia culpa veniam consectetur.
Eveniet iure inventore quis iste. Aut deserunt hic rerum suscipit aut repudiandae repellat. Voluptatem quia adipisci voluptas quo quas sunt voluptas. Voluptatem voluptas tenetur ipsa error. Esse ut perferendis qui beatae necessitatibus optio eos atque. Dolores esse quia porro dolore voluptas quia.
Blanditiis eum harum quibusdam a. Eos praesentium autem sit doloribus. Dolores et qui aperiam sunt et quas voluptatem.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...