Breaking into UK S&T/Quant from Australian Target
Hey all,
Long time lurker, first time poster. Just hoping to get some advice from you guys.
I am an Australian student looking to break into S&T/Quant in the UK (dual citizen).
I have a Bsc in Economics and am completing a MSc in Comp Sci (graduating in Dec 2025), both at an Australian target which is pretty well regarded globally (USyd/UNSW/UniMelb), with top grades for both (equivalent to a 1st).
I have done a few internships (more common in Aus to do multiple internships):
- Business Analyst at leading prop firm (Citadel/Optiver/HRT)
- Quant Developer in Risk team at superannuation fund (~$300bn AUM)
- Fixed Income Investment Analyst at superannuation fund (~$100bn AUM)
I have also had some other internships in ops type roles that are less relevant, so I tend to leave these off my CV. I've received return offers for all internships except the prop firm.
For personal reasons, I'm looking to move directly to the UK after or before I graduate (lateral is not an option for me). I am targeting S&T/Quant because I am ultimately interested in markets and being able to apply my quantitative skillset to this domain. Definitely something I realised quite late into my academic journey, hence no previous direct experience in S&T.
I know that this will be difficult and will require me to network my ass off as well as get my fair share of luck, but I was hoping to get some advice on how I can maximise my chances?
Current plan is to focus on off-cycle/FT recruiting, as well as summer internships that are open to final years. Would also love to get any tips on networking. Any advice is very much appreciated!!
From what I've seen networking isn't really a thing in UK (obv can't hurt though). Everyone goes through the bottlenecked applications process, typically spring week > summer intern > graduate program. But (and I could be wrong on this) my impression is that smaller shops and more quanty places don't care so much / don't have these structures in place and focus a lot more on your ability as a candidate via testing.
Your biggest challenge will be that you're off cycle, since most grad programs start around September but Australian final exams are in November. Do you already have family in London? You've got a passport? I would apply to everything you find interesting. You've got a strong CV, except that Australian Universities don't have name recognition so that'll be an uphill battle.
Thanks for the insights, I really appreciate it.
I don’t have family in London, but I do in other parts of the UK. I completely understand the name recognition issue with Australian unis being a bit of a disadvantage. I’ve been considering doing a semester exchange in the UK to get around this. My uni has partnerships with St Andrews, KCL, and some EU unis like ETH. Do you think finishing my degree with a semester exchange at one of these schools could help with getting a foot in the door for interviews?
From those names ETH is the standout with a good quant reputation. That would look good. And they'd probably have good courses you can take.
Delectus saepe distinctio non est culpa. Illo velit esse est quo molestias ut tenetur quia. Libero harum eius est pariatur animi. Suscipit qui aut optio commodi quis nobis. Et et sint atque nihil. Maiores numquam qui eum qui ipsa numquam quo.
Eaque incidunt enim a laborum est tempore. Voluptatibus ab est aut excepturi. Recusandae voluptatibus distinctio nisi quisquam aut possimus quia. Omnis et tempore nulla ipsa eveniet modi quia. Velit voluptates qui exercitationem. Quod ut autem voluptas ut quia odio facere nostrum. Ut dolorem voluptatem quia et hic qui nulla.
Quo quia ipsa omnis maiores repellendus. Corporis et eum quod eius. Quia sint magnam nobis sunt harum. Natus veritatis et atque dolorem esse pariatur.
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...