Hi guys. I just need some career advice. I am on the verge of completing my PhD in Statistics, however I think that my specialization of Statistics is wrong for a quantitative analyst job? I have been reading a few of the threads and I am sure that my degree will carry more weight than the hopefulls with a PhD in Physics, etc. Here is a little more about my backround:
2005-2009: Bsc (Statistics & Economics) - really bad gpa, failed some modules but did manage to do much better in the final year, i.e. approx. 65 % ave. for 3rd level stats courses. Also, I only took Mathematics till second level. Calculus was a breeze for me.
2010-2011 (mid): BscHons (Statistics) - 3.7 GPA (yes we divide the 4 year degree into 2 parts in S.A.)
2011(mid)-2013(mid): Msc (Statistics by Research) - In examination and I am expecting a 3.7 or higher GPA.
Okay so the PhD part comes in, since my Msc is way over the limit and just needs a few touch ups before publishing and converting the MSc to PhD. I suppose 3 months of actual work is a good estimate.
My questions are as follows:
(1) What advice would you propose for me to land a quant analyst job in minimum time from now?
(2) Suppose that I opt for a local Honours FE Degree, would my low gpa at undergrad level effect my application, even tho I'm almost at PhD status?
(3) Will my PhD title still be recognised in the finance world, i.e. is it like "okay tick the checkbox he has a PhD in Statistics" or will my area of specialization be my downfall, such that im not in the same class as say, someone with a PhD in FE (even if I hypothetically have a MFE).
(4) Will it be easier for me, as compared to all other applicants, to get into a top MFE programme, if suppose I do an local Honours FE degree, coupled with my PhD and some C++ certifications?
Phew thats alot. PS: I dont know C++, but im an quick learner. Wrote 28 efficient pages of R code from scratch, implementing complex sampling designs, all within a week. Moreover, I'm really good with problem solving, numbers, brainteasers, etc.
Thanks in advance for the response guys.
2005-2009: Bsc (Statistics & Economics) - really bad gpa, failed some modules but did manage to do much better in the final year, i.e. approx. 65 % ave. for 3rd level stats courses. Also, I only took Mathematics till second level. Calculus was a breeze for me.
2010-2011 (mid): BscHons (Statistics) - 3.7 GPA (yes we divide the 4 year degree into 2 parts in S.A.)
2011(mid)-2013(mid): Msc (Statistics by Research) - In examination and I am expecting a 3.7 or higher GPA.
Okay so the PhD part comes in, since my Msc is way over the limit and just needs a few touch ups before publishing and converting the MSc to PhD. I suppose 3 months of actual work is a good estimate.
My questions are as follows:
(1) What advice would you propose for me to land a quant analyst job in minimum time from now?
(2) Suppose that I opt for a local Honours FE Degree, would my low gpa at undergrad level effect my application, even tho I'm almost at PhD status?
(3) Will my PhD title still be recognised in the finance world, i.e. is it like "okay tick the checkbox he has a PhD in Statistics" or will my area of specialization be my downfall, such that im not in the same class as say, someone with a PhD in FE (even if I hypothetically have a MFE).
(4) Will it be easier for me, as compared to all other applicants, to get into a top MFE programme, if suppose I do an local Honours FE degree, coupled with my PhD and some C++ certifications?
Phew thats alot. PS: I dont know C++, but im an quick learner. Wrote 28 efficient pages of R code from scratch, implementing complex sampling designs, all within a week. Moreover, I'm really good with problem solving, numbers, brainteasers, etc.
Thanks in advance for the response guys.