What sector of banking/IB to pursue with strong interest in mathematics?
I love math, calculus, trig, you name it. I guess let me get that off my chest now because when looking at IB all I see is people who dont need math that much and only perform basic calculations. I really like math though. I’m a high school Junior going on Senior now, getting very close to applying. I was considering either a Math or Finance major. Is there any specific field (like quant, S&T, M&A, hedge (I’m not that familiar with the differences/similarities)) that caters to the same salary as IB but more of a mathematical experience? I’m not aversed to managing people, and understand that the higher you go in IB the less math you do, and I’m fine with that to a point. I like managing people in fact. But I don’t want to never do math again. I have w certain fascination with the formulas and understanding it. Is there any room for me in banking? Or should I just learn to do math as a hobby and pursue IB?
It might just be naivety, but you sound extremely arrogant and annoying.
Sorry if I came off that way. Anything that led you to believe that? I’m just stressed about having to apply so soon and don’t know what direction to take, so that’s why I might be coming off so aggressively and fast.
Edit: I fixed my first few sentences. After rereading it I did sound kind of like a douche. Fixed though. Thanks for the input.
I understand the stress. Good job not getting triggered. Wall Street is a brutal place, it's good to have thick skin.
You haven't even experienced Math yet please stop saying you love Math until you take actual Math i.e. Real Analysis/Intro to Proofs
Analysis was the worst class I’ve taken. I realised math wasn’t for me after my analysis final (bombed it so hard that I went from an A- before the final to a final course grade of B-) but hopefully abstract algebra isn’t that bad next semester
Abstract is much more interesting.
I would wait until college to say you want a career in a mathematics heavy field; Calculus and trig are more computation and memorization. Make sure you like Analysis/Algebra/Proofs, then would be a good time to ask this question. Most people at a mid to upper level would consider Calculus as "Basic Math".
Source: Pure Mathematics major in IB (focus in Algebraic Geometry)
I mean I feel like the obvious route is to learn some CS and go the Quant route.
As far as banking jobs go, the less experienced you are, the more you'll find yourself doing math for extended periods. The idea is to get good enough at the underlying math/business concepts so that as you progress, you know what to look for and how to skim analyst work for stuff that does or doesn't make sense and move on. Banking at its core is business and relationships, the math is just the underlying gears that make the machine run.
You don't need to know Calc to make a 3 statement model/DCF/payment waterfall, at most you just need to be good at algebra since that's the underlying "language" or i guess more accurately syntax of Excel.
Go Blue!
" I'm not aversed to managing people" Good luck, pal
Calculus and trig are NOTHING like what you're going to be doing in anything above Calculus 3 in college. It becomes much more abstract and almost philosophical rather than formulaic.
I had to witness most of my fellow math comrades get bodied by real analysis.
4/10 not a good time
Tbh, I prefer the abstract stuff to all the unengaging mathematical methods stuff.
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