Graduating with a math PhD soon but not getting any interviews

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Valc

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I'll be graduating in a few months with a PhD in pure mathematics from a well-regarded but not top tier university in the US. While my academic background is in pure math, I've always considered going into quantitative finance after graduation. Over time I've independently studied a few relevant subjects such as statistics, probability, stochastic calculus, machine learning, and numerical analysis. I feel pretty good about most of these topics aside from maybe machine learning which I only have a surface level understanding of. I did a dual major in mathematics and computer science as an undergrad so I know how to code fairly well. I’ve also dedicated the last few months to interview prep and feel confident with most leetcode medium questions and probability brainteasers.

I’ve tried applying to quant internships the last two cycles but usually didn't make it past the resume screening. This year I tried applying directly to full-time roles but again didn’t get any interviews or online assessments.

I’ve spoken with a few friends in the industry, and they don't know what else I can and suggest that it may just be the bad job market. On the other hand I do see other people getting these roles, some of them far less qualified.

I'm wondering what the problem might be or what else I can do. Could it be my lack of publications? Bad networking? Here are some things I've thought of:
  • Delaying graduation and try applying to internships again
  • Learn more machine learning since that is where all the hype is now
  • Networking more actively
  • Publishing a paper related to quantitative finance
  • Doing a postdoc and reapplying in a year or two
I'd really appreciate any insight or advice.
 
This market sucks, but if you're not passing the resume screening, that tells me there could be something going on with a) your application (could be your resume or something else) or b) your profile as a candidate.

Even before we get to the resume, I would want to take a closer look at your search strategy:
- which jobs you are applying for (the requirements & qualifications)
- how you're applying for them (how soon after the posting goes up? are you applying on the company website or LinkedIn?)
- your networking/follow up strategy (this is often the missing piece in this market)
- are you getting auto-rejected or ghosted (if auto-rejected, it's not your resume, it's likely how you answer a question on the
- and how are you leveraging school resources (Handshake, other job boards, etc. from both your current school and undergrad)

Two Sig and other hedge funds have told me they love math PhDs and would sometimes host info sessions just for PhD students.

That said, there's a LOT to be said for projects and official quant/MFE coursework. Feel free to message me and we can setup a coaching call to dig deeper.
 
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