Guidance with being a quant researcher in Australia

[GeorgeKM]

Hi everyone.

I am a first year student studying Maths/Computer Science at a well known university in Australia. I am very interested in becoming a quant researcher, as I have a very big interest for mathematics and programming. Here are some questions.

What extracurriculars are quant firms (Optiver, Citadel, SIG ect) in Aus looking for because I have heard that having a good GPA would not suffice?
Would I have to pursue a phD in mathematics or would a masters in fin maths or quantitative finance do to be a researcher?

I am a master on codeforces (competitive programming in C++ lang), but have not competed in any competitions in Australia or worldwide such as ICPC or Google Kickstarts.

It would be appreciated if anyone could give me advice if they are a quant in Australia or if not it would also be very much appreciated.

Update 1: I am thinking of pursuing a phD in statistics or computer science because it is free in Australia if you are a citizen.

Thank you

 

[Lukee]

Hi everyone.

I am a first year student studying Maths/Computer Science at a well known university in Australia. I am very interested in becoming a quant researcher, as I have a very big interest for mathematics and programming. Here are some questions.

What extracurriculars are quant firms (Optiver, Citadel, SIG ect) in Aus looking for because I have heard that having a good GPA would not suffice?
Would I have to pursue a phD in mathematics or would a masters in fin maths or quantitative finance do to be a researcher?

I am a master on codeforces (competitive programming in C++ lang), but have not competed in any competitions in Australia or worldwide such as ICPC or Google Kickstarts.

It would be appreciated if anyone could give me advice if they are a quant in Australia or if not it would also be very much appreciated.

Update 1: I am thinking of pursuing a phD in statistics or computer science because it is free in Australia if you are a citizen.

Thank you

Although it's good for job prospects, I wouldn't pursue a PhD just for landing a job in finance. If you are dedicating 5 years of your life to mastering a subject it should be something that you are actually passionate about

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Lukee is right. PhD is a serious endeavor that takes most people half a decade or more (emphasis on the more) to complete. If you are aiming for a professional/technical job, then find the best degree that provides that skillset.
PhD that ends up in quant jobs are by product of the environment, opportunities, etc.

 

[GeorgeKM]

Thank you for your responses.

It's different in America. In Australia, from my understanding phD is free and it is shorter usually like 2-3 years ( yes it may take more). This is because there is no preliminary coursework that has to be completed. .

I agree with the fact that you have to be passionate about pursuing a phD. But, the main question that I want answered is what extracurriculars could I do to be competitive?

I am still in university (college), so I have time to experiment and decide what I am truly interested in. Just want to see what some extracurriculars I could do now to better my position.

Thank you.

 

[Lukee]

Thank you for your responses.

It's different in America. In Australia, from my understanding phD is free and it is shorter usually like 2-3 years ( yes it may take more). This is because there is no preliminary coursework that has to be completed. .

I agree with the fact that you have to be passionate about pursuing a phD. But, the main question that I want answered is what extracurriculars could I do to be competitive?

I am still in university (college), so I have time to experiment and decide what I am truly interested in. Just want to see what some extracurriculars I could do now to better my position.

Thank you.

I'm not the most qualified to answer this but I'll give it my best shot. Your competitive programming in c++ and math/cs degree is a great start, but to get a job at a place like Citadel you need to have something to make you stand out from the thousands of applicants with perfect GPAs from ivy league schools. Some examples off the top of my head would be a high score on the putnum, become a chess grandmaster, or win a large poker tournament (i've heard that this is a good one for SIG specifically).

If someone with more experience sees, this feel free to correct anything I got wrong