C++/Java vs Matlab

Monkeys, I am thinking hard about jumping to quant work and/or trading from science.

As a postdoc and grad student, I used Matlab exclusively, and I definitely know Matlab inside and out.

However, I have no C++/Java skills.

My first question is: is there ANY job in quant/trading that I am even qualified for?

Second question: If I were to spend every spare minute in my current job learning C++, can you recommend some specific things to do or read? I am guessing that a good place to start is to start coding up some models from Wilmott, etc.?

Third question: Will someone like me be completely clobbered in the recruiting market by the laid-off guys with 5-7 years of experience? I am still going to go for it anyways but I'd like to get a sense of the downside risk.

 

Thanks man. I did in fact spend my postdoc programming NMR pulse sequences and my grad school years trying to find faster ways to propagate Schrodinger's equation.

I learned Matlab originally by having a big mess of code dumped on me and reverse-engineering it. Good way to learn C++?

 

Was Comp Sci major in ug. As you know MatLab is pretty much a glorified calculator. It's a really cool little piece of software but data manipulation (ie creating arrays, hash tables, more advanced algorithms) you need object orientation which is where C++ and Java come in. I'd recommend starting with C++.

Ace all your PE interview questions with the WSO Private Equity Prep Pack: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/guide/private-equity-interview-prep-questions
 

Yeah, C++ is going to be much harder to reverse-engineer. Just get a book and start from scratch. You'll probably fly through the beginning (functions/classes), but stuff like virtual functions and polymorphism get super technical.

Your MATLAB experience will make it all less intimidating, though.

 
Best Response
whydoyoucare:
these guys apparently don't know what they are talking about. you should start with java then learn c++. start with an easier language. you need to learn the concept before syntax.

So before I respond - I just turned 30, and I've been programming for the last 15 years (serious, work-related programming). I work in aerospace, but it's all real-time, safety critical.

Anyway - I agree, do Java or C# first. I'd lean towards Java because most job postings I see want Java. I'd also suggest understanding, in detail, garbage collection (how it happens, why, how to control it via your design and memory allocation, etc.).

Honestly - just focus on Java. You won't be missing much. Agree concepts are important here - I know so many people who, kid you not, don't understand variable scope. VARIABLE SCOPE. I mean, there are a lot of concepts you will want to be familiar with. Java will be a good start.

 

Aut suscipit dolor eos atque aspernatur. Rerum ducimus et architecto non aperiam atque officiis. Optio quibusdam officia occaecati aut consequatur fugit suscipit. Consequatur quisquam odio eum voluptatem officia. Veritatis quia temporibus molestiae facere adipisci facilis. Aperiam magnam qui eveniet repellat qui error. Odit distinctio hic sequi excepturi voluptatibus rerum illo.

Qui et natus nostrum et odio enim. Aperiam sunt qui ea sequi exercitationem voluptatem sit. Nam odit enim id est. Esse iure consequatur reprehenderit voluptas ab cumque. Ut et molestias quia rerum quidem repellat qui dolor. Rerum vitae nemo quasi accusantium nihil.

Asperiores veniam et eveniet eum possimus eius ipsum. Provident aut hic accusantium voluptatem. Odio laudantium molestias dolorem. Voluptas eligendi iste pariatur eum libero consequatur. Magni voluptatum ut praesentium iusto.

Optio qui id nisi et aliquam possimus assumenda. Itaque vel repudiandae exercitationem. Nulla iste perspiciatis unde sint alias. Incidunt molestias itaque ex esse rem est beatae. Sit quis sint rerum provident. Culpa asperiores quae aspernatur voluptas dolor.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (20) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Kenny_Powers_CFA's picture
Kenny_Powers_CFA
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”