Currently an undergrad pursuing CS/math/economics.
I'm conflicted between quant and IB work. Honestly, I think that I would be fine with either lifestyle. Could someone elaborate a bit more about others differences - lifestyle, pay, career trajectory? I know that IB is tough with long hours. Is quant finance the same?
| +186 | Ideal College/Recruiting Timeline | 38 | 2d | |
| +126 | Military Officer vs. IB analyst | 47 | 4s | |
| +75 | Lied on CV? | 60 | 46m | |
| Got fired after 1.5 years as an Analyst, want to stay in Banking but I am confused | 10 | 1d | ||
| +26 | Amazing offer but I’m drowning in debt | 13 | 2d | |
| +25 | Is there a point to networking if you have (nepo)? | 7 | 1d | |
| +23 | Are Single Managers Just Not Hiring? | 10 | 4d | |
| +23 | How do I go about explaining huge gaps in a CV for Spring & Summers? | 11 | 2d | |
| +21 | Job Switch Advice | 6 | 19h | |
| +21 | IB > PE, except burned out. What now? | 8 | 10h |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
bump
Honestly, I believe that quant life is better. Probably harder to break into a quant role at a top asset management firm or a hedge fund, but I know that the hours are better. Usually, 7 AM-6PM, at least from what I have heard.
However, the work your doing is def harder,
Makes sense. What would you say in terms of exit opps and compensation?
Quant is where you use your IQ.
IB is where you use your EQ.
How do you like this?
Haha, thanks for the input
Given where the world is turning, quant all the way!!!
Care to explain further?
The underlying skillsets for quant positions are increasingly valuable both today and the future.
Did both. Found IB a lot more valuable and transferrable. I guess we're all different, but I knew some others who did both and they feel the same way.
I just don't think most quant shops have evolved to a point where a smart junior person can add a lot of value. (Don't @me, I said most not all). There's value created by the who came up with whatever algo/factors the strategy uses, and maybe a few other seniors who add some implementations to the strategy. But juniors and midlevels are often operational types who aren't adding to returns and are doing more drone-like tasks. Reports, data processes etc. That was the case at my shop and at others I know. Doesn't keep them from hiring finance kids and trying to convince them the job is more than that.
Some quants realize they can add a lot of value by becoming sales/client relationship guys, and they enjoy that.
Not that IB is some intellectual journey but you usually come away with an understanding how of how some businesses operate, how they generate value for shareholders, how they compete, how to build a model that sometimes might actually inform a decision. You might even write a good deck or two. All useful stuff for a lot of roles later on.
Thanks so much for the response!
I’m in the prop world so I’m about to make an assumption about IB so don’t take it personal. It appears to me that IBers are forced to work crazy hours. From my experience in the quant world, everyone still works crazy hours but that’s because they want to. You can leave the office whenever but everyone is logged in when they get home. They do it because they enjoy it and are intellectually curious, always trying to improve strategies and research new ideas.
I’d be curious what other’s opinions are on this too.
Do you find yourself coding and doing math most of the time on the job?
Yeah it’s pretty much all coding, and math is a by-product of that. A lot of tweaking signals/strategies while looking into new ones.
.
Autem minima nulla sed beatae rerum error dolorum nihil. At aspernatur ut consequatur sequi qui velit odit. A ratione qui exercitationem expedita. Quas vitae inventore accusantium dolor sapiente veniam accusantium. Voluptatem sed in dicta dolorem facilis alias tenetur.
Repudiandae magni incidunt minus mollitia ut quis. In ipsa eos natus commodi soluta dignissimos. Tempore dolorem dolorum doloremque repudiandae.
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...