Are members of this team typically math/physics/engineering Ph.D.s?
I think we all agree that having a Phd in math or physics places you at the top of the quant finance ladder. But does this mean that someone without this kind of background is doomed? Because from what you are saying, this is what I get. There must be people (including myself of course) who although they have studied a less mathematically oriented course, such as economics or finance, but who like math and most importantly like models. So there must be a way in for them too, particularly if they are willing to work hard and learn.
You told me, in one of your earlier posts, that I have to do it like the math/physics undergrads did it; all the way, no shortcuts. But I believe, and please correct me if I am wrong, that among the 20-30 or 40 modules that a math undergrad has, he will actually be applying 20-30% of them in finance. So what I think that would be the ideal solution here is to find a very well structured course (which could last for a year or two it doesnt matter) which walks me through these concepts rather than studying another bachelors. If this course is finally created, I believe that many people wearing my shoes would follow it.
Once again I might not be able to compete them when it comes to certain positions but I hope that I will be able to work with them or in different kind of positions within the same function and learn from them.