Just wondering what those of you who've had this type of position have needed the most when it comes to Excel. I have basic skills, but nothing more. However, I can teach myself things pretty quickly. Have made a few contacts in this area and have a few things potentially in the works and I just want to make sure I know what I need to in the event I get an interview out of one of them.
Thanks in advance.
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excel skills won't be a make it or break it factor at all. I know a few of the top chicago shops have excel tests on-site for interviews, but again it really doesnt matter, as long as you are smart and good with numbers you will be fine. anyone can learn excel, and unlike in banking, they are tapping you for your intellectual ability, not your ability to write up pricing models and such (unless you're a quant, in which excel would be irrelevant anyway).
TL:DR dont wast time on excel or brain teasers, focus on probability and why you think you would be a good trader
Thanks for the advice.
I only ask because for one particular position I've got my name in for, they list it specifically as a highly desirable factor. But I'm definitely focusing on everything else you've listed. Probability especially.
Most places don't want to waste time teaching excel. Learning it will only help. Google is your friend.
I plan on it...just wanted to know what the best things to focus on given a limited period of time to brush up. Thanks for the input.
Programming and scientific computing are 1000x more useful and sought after than Excel skills.
Here is where you can learn Excel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ExcelIsFun
Thanks for that, appreciate it.
As a word of advice, for any trading related position, proficiency in Excel is sort of expected to the point that its a lot like proficiency in microsoft word. Its just taken as a really basic requirement so Id get learning. I cant imagine being effective in any junior finance role without having a firm grasp of excel.
I understand that, I'm just trying to make sure I am, that's all. Never was taught how to use it so I'm just kind of doing this on my own.
I knew zero Excel coming into the jobs and now I can easily just use the keyboards and write complicated formulas and coding in VBA just by teaching myself on the job by googling and trial and error. Trust me the first time it was not easy but time would make it much easier. The more you do it on the job: building complicated Excel models, the more you get better at it.
Makes a lot of sense, that's the only real way to learn things I feel. I've never learned anything by forced memorization, only by doing it and realizing why it works. Working through a book right now to teach myself some things but I can tell already it won't stick until I have to use it every day.
yeah before I went in I tried teaching myself through online videos, lessons and books too and trust we you won't be able to remember or apply anything into your work. You really need to do it to know it! Good luck. You will do just fine.
REGRESSION is THE most important tool in excel, especially for trading. Learn how to fit one properly using theory, not just finding the perfect fit line. I'm shocked at how many traders and bankers have no idea how to properly apply the most used and abused analytic tool out there
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