Advice on Courses to Break Into Quant Trading? CS new grad @T10 Starting Big Tech in NYC

[MentallyChallenged]

I’ll be starting full-time in NYC as a Software Engineer at a Big Tech company this year and am seriously considering transitioning into quant trading down the line. I’ve never formally applied to quant roles before, but I’m interested in preparing myself over the next year or two.

Background:
• CS major from a T10 undergrad, though my GPA was on the lower side.
• 36 ACT (if that matters at all).
• Taken Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calc, and other core CS/math courses.

I’m considering taking courses like the Baruch Pre-MFE program, individual classes at Columbia, or others in the city. A few questions:
• Are any specific courses or programs particularly valuable for someone targeting quant trading (especially on the buy side)?
• Does the school name matter for these continuing education classes?
• Would it be better to self-study and build projects instead?
• Any thoughts on how to best position myself coming from a software background?
• Will having a low gpa prevent me from getting interviews? (AKA is preparing for this stuff not worth my time)

Appreciate any advice!

 

[Andy Nguyen]

I feel like your gig will be a good starting point to pivot into a more desirable role in a few years if you have a good plan in place.
I'm not sure what full stack will be used at your tech job but they could potentially be relevant later on.
For quant finance, C++ and Python are the main languages.
Pretty sure you get you can find plenty of advice on various discussion here relevant to your future goal.
If you plan to take on an MFE degree in a few years, you can look at the @grxthy plan for Fall 2026.
There are many people who overcame low GPA to get into top 10 programs. @Leggoo MFE who recently did so. He will share his experience soon.
Discovering QuantNet is an excellent first step on this journey.

 

[MentallyChallenged]

I feel like your gig will be a good starting point to pivot into a more desirable role in a few years if you have a good plan in place.
I'm not sure what full stack will be used at your tech job but they could potentially be relevant later on.
For quant finance, C++ and Python are the main languages.
Pretty sure you get you can find plenty of advice on various discussion here relevant to your future goal.
If you plan to take on an MFE degree in a few years, you can look at the @grxthy plan for Fall 2026.
There are many people who overcame low GPA to get into top 10 programs. @Leggoo MFE who recently did so. He will share his experience soon.
Discovering QuantNet is an excellent first step on this journey.

Awesome Andy. Thank you so much for your input. Do you feel it will be possible to get interviews at top shops (for quant trader roles) without the MFE? If so, would it be beneficial to still take some of the Pre MFE courses or something similar of that nature?

Thanks again!

And yes, my work will be using c++/python (fintech company)

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Yes, you definitely need the kind of math and options theory taught in the MFE programs. You can take the pre-MFE courses at Baruch and the Options course there.
Give yourself a year and you can apply and test the water. If you feel like you need the dedicated career support from a top MFE program to break in at that time, you can apply to those programs and be at a stronger point then.