Field Change Advice: International Business -> MFE/Quant Path

[kakimochi]

Hi everyone,

I’m 21 years old and currently undergoing a career transition. I graduated with a BSc in International Business 3.92/4.00 GPA while playing semi-professional soccer, but over time realized I want to pursue a path where I can innovate, problem solve, and contribute to something more intellectual and technical.

Since graduating, I’ve been self-teaching:
• Python and SQL, which helped me land an AI/ML role at FPT Software under the NVIDIA team where I’ve been working for a year and a half now.
• Currently taking on the Baruch C++ for Financial Engineering Certification
• Completed Calculus I–III and Linear Algebra courses through Coursera (I contacted several MFE programs directly, and they confirmed that Coursera certificates would suffice for prerequisites)

Looking ahead, I’m planning to take the CFA Level 1 and pass it before next spring to strengthen my financial knowledge base and enhance my MFE application.

I did my first two years doing a Finance/ CompSci major:
DSA, Networking, Operating systems, Number Theory, Bus Stats and Prob., Macro/Micro economics, Global Finance.

My question to you all is:
• Do you think pursuing CFA Level 1 is a smart move right now given my end goal of entering a decent MFE program and eventually working in quant finance?
• Or should I prioritize something else (e.g., deeper math coursework, more C++/ML projects, research experience) at this stage?

I’m open to any advice or suggestions. Thanks a lot for your time!

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Doing a CFA Level 1 is not as good a signal as it used to be a 5-10 years ago, especially in quant and trading roles. They may be a good idea for roles in corporate finance, asset management or certain roles.
Given the significant time commitment, you might get more practical value by focusing on hands-on projects, networking, trading competitions, or building a stronger technical foundation — all of which tend to resonate more with employers in today’s job market.

 

[kakimochi]

Doing a CFA Level 1 is not as good a signal as it used to be a 5-10 years ago, especially in quant and trading roles. They may be a good idea for roles in corporate finance, asset management or certain roles.
Given the significant time commitment, you might get more practical value by focusing on hands-on projects, networking, trading competitions, or building a stronger technical foundation — all of which tend to resonate more with employers in today’s job market.

Thank you so much for your reply Mr. Nguyen.

Ever since you found QuantNET until now, have you seen any people from Business/Finance/Econ backgrounds who were able to make up coursework on the side and get into respected MFE programs? I want to ask to gain a realistic expectation for myself and plan accordingly for the next few years of my life.

 

[DuckGoesQuack]

how were you able to graduate 1.5 years ago (at age 19?)

 

[kakimochi]

how were you able to graduate 1.5 years ago (at age 19?)

I took 18 credits a semester and I know it sounds cliche but I love waking up early or just getting things done fast so I can move to the next step hahaha. American school system also runs faster than some countries. Im in Japan right now and the normal graduation age is supposed to be 22 or 23 whereas the American School system generally finishes when you're around 21.