Hi
I am currently an MEng Computing student on a four year course at a reputable university. I am hoping to ultimately become a front office quant, and am looking for some advice on the best way to get there.
Firstly, is it possible to go into a quant position directly from a Computing degree? I am considering doing a PhD possibly on a simulation/modelling related topic or in an artificial intelligence related field such as neural networks. Another option would be to do a 1-year MSc in Financial Engineering. Would either of these be of great benefit when applying to a quant position? I am considering doing a Computer Science PhD either way as I am very interested in these fields.
Secondly, what kind of experience in the industry is expected from prospective quants? I have interned in the Techology division at a major investment bank and will also be doing an industrial placement in Technology at the same place next year. Obviously this is not front office work, but the team I was in for my internship was fairly close to the front office for technology (it was an application development role - not infrastructure). Is front office experience required for quant roles? Would it be a good idea to apply for a summer internship in Sales and Trading? I have thought about this but I do not really have any interest in becoming a trader or salesperson, so not sure if this would be the right thing to do.
Thank you for any advice
P.S. I can't edit the thread title - I realise there's not much hope for me if I can't even spell the field that I'm interested in!
I am currently an MEng Computing student on a four year course at a reputable university. I am hoping to ultimately become a front office quant, and am looking for some advice on the best way to get there.
Firstly, is it possible to go into a quant position directly from a Computing degree? I am considering doing a PhD possibly on a simulation/modelling related topic or in an artificial intelligence related field such as neural networks. Another option would be to do a 1-year MSc in Financial Engineering. Would either of these be of great benefit when applying to a quant position? I am considering doing a Computer Science PhD either way as I am very interested in these fields.
Secondly, what kind of experience in the industry is expected from prospective quants? I have interned in the Techology division at a major investment bank and will also be doing an industrial placement in Technology at the same place next year. Obviously this is not front office work, but the team I was in for my internship was fairly close to the front office for technology (it was an application development role - not infrastructure). Is front office experience required for quant roles? Would it be a good idea to apply for a summer internship in Sales and Trading? I have thought about this but I do not really have any interest in becoming a trader or salesperson, so not sure if this would be the right thing to do.
Thank you for any advice
P.S. I can't edit the thread title - I realise there's not much hope for me if I can't even spell the field that I'm interested in!
