Andy Nguyen

• 

  Longiscoolhaha

• 9/12/25

Hi Andy, could you please explain to me the advantage that a person with a stem-oriented phd would have that an MFE program couldn't provide.

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  sabervowing

• 9/2/25

Hi Andy,

I'm a final-year undergraduate student from Singapore, majoring in Mathematics with a focus on Statistics. I'm very interested in Quantitative Research and Quant Analyst roles, and I’m now exploring Master’s programs that would help me break into this field.

In addition to my core Math courses, I've taken electives like Stochastic Processes and Financial Math. My GPA is just shy of First Class Honours.

While I'm applying locally, I'm also strongly considering Master's programs in Europe, both for academic growth and to increase my chances of working there post-graduation.

Are there programs with a good track record for placing international graduates in European financial hubs?

Are there any scholarships or affordable programs (even in public universities) for international students?

Do employers in Europe care more about the specific degree title (e.g., MFE vs MSc Financial Math) or about course content and reputation?

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  anaysk

• 8/29/25

Hey Andy,
I am currently in my 4th year studying Btech in Computer Engineering in India planning to apply for fall 2026 intake my overall GPA till 6th semester is 8.03/10 and my math courses grades are a bit low- Calculus-D-4/10,Linear algebra-A+-9/10 and Statistics-A-8/10. I am currently interning at a Startup as a Quantitative Developer and i have worked as a Research intern in my College but that was not finance related and i plan to take GRE and TOEFL soon.I want to offset my low math grade and make my profile stronger so i am doing my capstone project a bit more math related and for which i will try to write and publish a research paper as well.Other than that I plan to take Gre math test and also courses like Mathematical Methods for Quantitative Finance(idk which other courses to take) I want advice as to what can i do to make my chances of getting accepted higher.My only concern is my low calculus grades.I'd love to hear your inputs and suggestions for my profile.Thank You!

• 

  tdubs

• 8/17/25

Hi Andy,

I’m interested in pursuing an MFE and would value your perspective. My background: BA in Economics from the University of Washington, MBA from a non-target, 7 years of part-time military service, and 6+ years in the tech/financial space. Most recently, I’ve spent 3 years at a financial services company as a Product Manager on the Data team, building internal APIs and risk/data products.

I feel I’ve plateaued in product/risk roles, and believe an MFE would accelerate my pivot into quant finance or algo PM roles with stronger long-term growth. To prepare, I’m taking math (calculus, linear algebra, probability) and programming (Python, C++) part-time through UC Extension.

My concern is my non-STEM undergrad and nontraditional work experience. Do you think my leadership and product/risk background helps or hurts my chances at a top MFE? How can I best align myself for both admissions and careers afterward?

J

• J

  JLabko

• 8/15/25

Hi Andy,

I was wondering your thoughts on leveraging a Quant Masters program for more fundamental investing (whether L/S, PE, quantamental, etc.). I recently started a MS program, and want to stay on top of recruiting (especially since most MS/undergrad roles are closing or past the deadline, and I'm probably underqualified for MBA roles). I'm already on the CFA path & hoping to get involved with my school's FinTech & Investment Research programs - just trying to figure out the best way to get into (ideally) buy-side fundamental roles or adjacent.

• 

  chasetheguy

• 7/28/25

What do you think is the best way to transition to try to become a quant trader, coming from a bachelor's degree in finance?

Z

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  ZsH

• 6/13/25

Hi Andy,

I’m currently an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley majoring in Data Science. I transferred from a California community college, where I completed many of my core quantitative courses—including Calculus I–III, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and Introductory Microeconomics and Macroeconomics—with top grades.

Given my background, I’m wondering:

• Does transferring from a community college negatively affect my chances of being admitted to top MFE programs (e.g., Berkeley MFE, CMU MSCF, Princeton MFin)?
• Do these programs typically accept community college coursework to satisfy prerequisites like calculus or linear algebra?
• Will this path be a disadvantage when applying for quant jobs down the line?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on how the CC-to-UCB path is generally perceived by MFE admissions committees or quant employers.

Thanks so much for your time and any insights you can share!

L

• L

  LLLLLL

• 6/5/25

Hi, Andy

I hope this finds you well.

I’ve been admitted to UCLA MFE program, and I’m wondering how competitive its graduates are for quantitative roles. From all of the information that I got from social media, it seems like most hedge funds and top Wall Street firms tend to prefer candidates from top MFE programs like Baruch, Princeton, CMU, or UCB, it is impossible for students graduate from outside those programs. Do you think UCLA MFE students can still be strong contenders for quant roles? And I have no idea that how hard it is for students from UCLA MFE program in chasing quant roles.

Thank you in advance for your time! And I would be more than appreciated with whatever you can share with me~

• 

  onurthequant

• 5/12/25

Hi Andy,

I hope you’re doing well. I’ve recently been admitted to the MSc Financial Mathematics program at UCL, and I’m excited to deepen my knowledge in the field. However, I don’t have any prior internship experience in finance.

To improve my chances of landing a job post-graduation, what would you recommend I focus on during the next few months? Do you think studying for and taking the CFA Level 1 exam would be a smart move at this stage?

I’d truly appreciate any advice you could offer.

J

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  JQV

• 3/21/25

Hi Andy, I am an MRes/PhD Economics student from non-target who is very keen to switch to a Mathematical Finance/Applied Maths PhD programe. I have previously taken Mathematical Economics, Econometrics, Game Theory, Probability theory, Time Series Analysis and Stochastic Processs and have received distinctions in all these modules. I am 2 years into the degree though and could master out from my already-funded position. Question is would it be worth it to apply for a Masters in perhaps applied maths from a target uni before eventually applying for a PhD? I have some research experience with Profs in a top 5 Math department and also would have to submit a thesis soon which will be on SDE and Deep Learning. Internship at a Quantum computing firm this summer. Would like to hear your thoughts. Much appreciated! I am keen to get into QR in the future.

• 

  Bui Loc

• 2/4/25

Hi Andy, I'm an international student from VN, a sophomore MSU majoring in Advanced Math and CS (4.0 GPA). I want to break into either QR at mid tier shops or Risk Quant at HF/IB. Currently I'm doing research in ML and SDE. What should I do to boost my resume (research/projects/networking)for next year internship cycle? Should I do one more major or minor in Risk management/Quant risk? Ty so much for your advice.

Z

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  Ziyu_HSP

• 12/25/24

Hi Andy, why did GPA from college rankings disappear?

• 

  nguyenphan

• 11/3/24

Hi Andy, as a second-year Quantitative Finance student in Vietnam about to dive into major courses, I’d love to get your insights. What technical skills and foundational knowledge are essential for a career in quantitative finance? Are there any specific tools, languages, or mathematical concepts I should master?
Also, Do you think I should use macOS for this field? Thank you very much for your advice!

• 

  Harvey.c

• 10/10/24

Hi Andy! Would you mind taking a moment to review my request posted here and share your valuable insights when possible? I'd really appreciate it!
Thank you!

Thread 'Seeking Advice: Career Transition into Quantitative Finance'

10/10/24

Hi everyone,

I'm 29 years old and have spent almost 7 years working in the oil and gas sector, primarily in logistics and technical assurance roles across multiple countries. This year, I began a 3-year BSc in Mathematics as my first university experience, with the goal of transitioning into quantitative finance, specifically as a quant researcher.

My current plan is to continue working full-time for the next two years while completing my degree. After that, I plan to take a year off to focus solely on finishing my degree and seeking internship opportunities in quantitative finance...

• Harvey.c
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Career Advice

• 

  sprat

• 10/1/24

Hi Andy
I wanted to know whether MFin is a good way to get into IBs. I'm a recent graduate with my bachelors being from a non finance background. I have cleared 2 levels of CFA and am working as a valuation analyst. I am planning for MS and am puzzled between MFin and MFE. Would appreciate your advice on the value of a MFin from a reputed college in todays world and whether it will help me in finding a good job.

S

• S

  soytricker

• 5/30/24

Hi Andy! I would like to get your opinion on LSE's MSc Financial Mathematics. Thanks

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  potatopeeler

• 2/29/24

Hey Andy,

Love the new tracker look, much more intuitive.

• 

  ioAhm

• 1/27/24

Hi Andy
I was accepted into the FSU Financial Math PhD program, and there's very little recent information I can find on things like employability, program quality. As an international student, I am considering the program due to the fee waiver+stipend offered to me, but I would like to know if it's worth my time. Is there a resource that you think might be helpful, or a person I could direct my queries towards?

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  markbogorad

• 1/16/24

Hi Andy,

I recently got accepted into the MS Quantitative finance joint program between NYU Stern and NYU Shanghai. As the program is relatively new, I'm wondering if you might have any insights on whether it is on par with MFE/mathematics programs or if other members have discussed the program.

K

• K

  kev_nguy

• 12/1/23

Hi Andy,

I am pursuing a double MS in CS and Data Science from top 10 program CS in the US. What are some ways I can learn from to make myself more competitive? I am missing the financial aspect and am worried that would make me less competitive. I am learning mental math, stats, and looking at practice interviews. What else can I do to prepare better? I want to become a buy-side quant. Thank you.