I read a few threads about how VBA is widely used by analysts in S&T, and was wondering to what extent it is used. I was learning VBA over the summer and am now more or less familiar with how to create sub procedures, functions etc and manipulate data in worksheets. I've also covered pretty much all types of programming constructs (if-then, do while etc) and data types. Is this enough or do I also have to learn to create user forms, add-ins, etc
can anyone with experience with VBA please give advice
wondering the same thing...
Stay away from the exotics/hybrids desks and you'd be fine without much VBA - most macros (if required) can be done by recording macros or simply inputting simle excel formulae.
It's a totally different ballgame in the exotics/hybrids world..
lol I was a TA on an equity derivatives desk a while back, largest cdn dealer? :) You need to not only just know Excel/VBA, but be able to create macros on the fly during trading hours on request, with someone yelling at you every 2 min for results. Also, you have to look through piles of legacy code to adapt strategies to a changing market environment (I was there back in Nov 08...) Ya, we also built a bunch of C and C# addins to stream in rtq, pull in transaction data, and for pricing calculations. Modern finance is very math and computer-centric, especially if you want to work on any desk besides inst equity.
^wow, so that means one is expected to know pretty much all aspects of VBA, because whatever I've covered isn't enough to write the macro you wrote (to open outlook emails, excel attachments etc).
So do most S&T interns learn VBA from scratch on the job?
You'd be surprised, you could probably find different pieces of this code just by googling and piece it together. Ex. get the code for opening an outlook email, get the code for open excel attachment, get the code for loading excel document into access) then piece all 3 components together.
Put it this way...whatever programming you're going to do as an intern/analyst, you're essentially helping them streamline and enhance efficiency in their daily tasks more than anything.
So long as you don't end up in a heavily quant role (read exotics/hybrids, hardcore structuring and genuine quant roles), your VBA programming will have absolutely no bearing on your ability (or lack thereof) as a salesperson or trader 5 years down the road.
So while VBA may be an essential part of your daily grind at the start, it is by no means indicative of what you need to do in the more distant future as IAmTensai has alluded to...
Everyone has a different learning style, but I found Walkenbach's Excel Power Programming book to be beneficial.
most interns pick it up on the job using forums like ozgrid or mrexcel. they can take you to the next level after you get the basics down. and if you have the opportunity definitely take the more challenging projects as vba is not a skill most undergrads have and can open up more doors for you
So im guessing Java is not typically used in any significant sense at trading desks?
Is the best language to learn for trading VBA?
I never really saw Java getting any use. VBA is definitely what helps out the most, especially because it was made to work within the office framework, so you can create automated outlook processes for EOD or create market views and analysis in excel.
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Are there any recommendations on any books that might help with those with no/limited VBA knowledge?
VBa for sales (Originally Posted: 02/13/2011)
Should I learn some visual basic programming before my summer internship in sales or is it totally useless? I know it is advised to do so for trading but I think being able to do some basic VBa programming for my desk could give me an edge. Should I rather get to know better how derivatives work? Any opinions on this matter?
I have absolutely no qualification here, but I'm learning some basic VBA outside of university. I figured it can't hurt to at least learn a bit
It would be unlikely you use it in sales.
Pure sales im not sure. Sales-trading yes you should definitely learn some basics.
I am a fan of VBA, period. There are a million applications you can utilize with it to make your life easier. Not to mention say you work at a firm where it is not used but you implement some of the functions to glorify your spread sheets. Makes you look real good when no one else there has any programming capabilities whatsoever. My marginal skills have helped me at two jobs already. Learn the stuff for your position first, then work on VBA if it is something that interests you.
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