- Joined
- 5/2/06
- Messages
- 12,165
- Points
- 273
I have the privilege of connecting with many QuantNet members over the year as they transitioned from a quant student into a practitioner. Many of them generously shared with me their experience using QuantNet to research the programs and the reality of the competitive job market, the skills needed, the knowledge learned (or not) in the program.
Below is the advice from one of our members who is a recent alumni of the NYU Courant Mathematics in Finance program. He completed the C++ certificate as well as the Options certificate with Distinction.
I want to thank him for sharing his advice. I has followed his journey since 2023 during his preparation for quant programs.
1. Network with current students and alumni who graduated in the past three years. Ask them about the coursework and the educational style. Then, build your own plan to balance academic work and job seeking. Networking with alumni and asking for referrals is not a big deal. Don’t be shy—share your previous experience and request a coffee chat. However, being polite and always expressing gratitude for their response is essential, even if they can’t refer you. Don't be self-centered; their insights can help you understand the industry. Your behavior will also impact your reputation, your program's reputation and your university's reputation.
2. Check the flexibility of course registration. Many programs have recognized industry trends and allow students to register for algorithm, statistics, or machine learning courses outside of the MFE program.
3. QuantNet's C++ Programming for Financial Engineering and Advanced C++ and Modern Design are really helpful for sell-side systematic trading positions and pricing positions, as well as trading roles on the buy side. QuantNet's An Intuition-Based Options Primer for Financial Engineering is also crucial as foundational knowledge for both sell-side and buy-side roles (market making and trading). These courses should be completed by May of the year you enter an MFE program.
4. Professor Dan's 150 Most Frequently Asked Questions on Quant Interviews is extremely valuable, helping students solve problems for both sell-side and buy-side companies. Candidates can study stochastic calculus and other necessary interview skills from this resource before starting their MFE coursework. This preparation is crucial for incoming online assessments and interviews.
5. Practice LeetCode Data Structures and Algorithms. I got this suggestion from Professor Dan. In addition, be familiar with statistics and practice SQL questions on LeetCode.
6. The industry now requires people with skills in research, execution, and maintenance. I know many students feel frustrated if they don't receive offers from their top-choice MFE programs, but there are still plenty of opportunities if you have the right skills. Never give up—keep studying and networking.
Below is the advice from one of our members who is a recent alumni of the NYU Courant Mathematics in Finance program. He completed the C++ certificate as well as the Options certificate with Distinction.
I want to thank him for sharing his advice. I has followed his journey since 2023 during his preparation for quant programs.
1. Network with current students and alumni who graduated in the past three years. Ask them about the coursework and the educational style. Then, build your own plan to balance academic work and job seeking. Networking with alumni and asking for referrals is not a big deal. Don’t be shy—share your previous experience and request a coffee chat. However, being polite and always expressing gratitude for their response is essential, even if they can’t refer you. Don't be self-centered; their insights can help you understand the industry. Your behavior will also impact your reputation, your program's reputation and your university's reputation.
2. Check the flexibility of course registration. Many programs have recognized industry trends and allow students to register for algorithm, statistics, or machine learning courses outside of the MFE program.
3. QuantNet's C++ Programming for Financial Engineering and Advanced C++ and Modern Design are really helpful for sell-side systematic trading positions and pricing positions, as well as trading roles on the buy side. QuantNet's An Intuition-Based Options Primer for Financial Engineering is also crucial as foundational knowledge for both sell-side and buy-side roles (market making and trading). These courses should be completed by May of the year you enter an MFE program.
4. Professor Dan's 150 Most Frequently Asked Questions on Quant Interviews is extremely valuable, helping students solve problems for both sell-side and buy-side companies. Candidates can study stochastic calculus and other necessary interview skills from this resource before starting their MFE coursework. This preparation is crucial for incoming online assessments and interviews.
5. Practice LeetCode Data Structures and Algorithms. I got this suggestion from Professor Dan. In addition, be familiar with statistics and practice SQL questions on LeetCode.
6. The industry now requires people with skills in research, execution, and maintenance. I know many students feel frustrated if they don't receive offers from their top-choice MFE programs, but there are still plenty of opportunities if you have the right skills. Never give up—keep studying and networking.
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