I think I want to be a Quant now

Hello,

So I am in my 30s and returned to college two years ago to get my bachelor's degree. I am now transferring and plan on double majoring in Finance and Mathematics. My plan is to eventually pursue a PhD in a quantitative field, either mathematics or computer science. I am interested in a career in data sciences or quantitative analysis, assuming I prove to have to mental capacity for such a position.

My previous work experience consists of IT administration jobs and about 4 years of on-and-off day-trading (unsuccessfully) at a prop trading firm. Although I haven't traded in almost two years, I am considering returning to trading as I continue my studies. My licenses are about to expire and I question whether the experience would be valuable to my career goals or a hindrance to my studies.

Admittedly, I did not fully apply myself during my time at the prop trading firm (sporadic trading, sometimes recklessly, with multiple hiatuses to take on IT projects). However, now that I've spent a few years back in school, I have found discipline and would approach trading much more systematically and without distraction.

Given this scenario, do you think I should abandon prop trading and concentrate on school, or would the experience be beneficial to my goal of attainting a quantitative position in the industry? How would day-trading experience be viewed by potential employers? Although I plan on pursuing a master's in mathematics or computer science instead of an MFE, would prop trading be viewed favorably or negatively by prominent MFE programs should I choose to pursue that path instead?

I appreciate any advice, feedback, or criticism.

Cheers!

2 Comments
 

Modi vitae ut qui. Quaerat suscipit quidem voluptatem possimus voluptas maxime. Error sunt voluptas quod consequuntur dolor.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (56) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”