How promising is Big data (data science) in Finance

I am a student in Monash University. And I am applying the QTEM program which offers an opportunity for an exchange. My major is Master of Banking and Finance.

There are some courses related to Big Data and Data Science in Finance offered by HEC lausanne. I would like to know if Big data and Data science has their prospects in the field of finance and for me as a will-be employee with a master degree of Finance and Banking. Is it possible to use these big data analytic skills in my resume as a highlight? As an alternative, University van Amsterdam also offers several courses related to Econometrics. Which option is better?

Thanks a million.

17 Comments
 

Yes and No. Yes in that it will help with numerical skills (which is mainly what IB is about) and No in that a significant portion of the specific knowledge you learn won't be used per se. Honestly though, if you like it do it - since the courses offered seem to play a small role in the overall degree I would look at which you think you can market better at interviews. Big Data is juicier now-a-days and sells probably better than econometrics but choose what you enjoy studying.

 

Big Data, machine learning, or general AI tools are more than useful in S&T/HF. Programming is more than fundamental, and with those skills you'll have the edge.

As a matter of fact, see how "the code breakers" like DE Shaw or Reinassance only recruit scientists and not economists.

On the other hand, I think is not that useful in IBD, while it certainly shows you have more than decent quant skills

 

Thanks for your opinion. Do you think having certain level of QUANT skills (such as coding with Python/Matlab) are essential for working in Investment banks and hedge funds even though my major is in finance ?

 

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