How can I have the required educational status?

[Md Imran Shikdar]

Some days back while I browsed through pages to see what top MFE programs require of a potential candidate, I was a bit disappointed at the stringent requirements. I have just completed my BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) and don't have any prior background from engineering or computer science. However, I have completed level 1 of CFA program and will sit for level 2 exam this year.

I can't show that I have completed the required mathematics/programming courses. So, I have to make a plan to utilize the next 4 years to enhance my background. My plan is:

1. To complete CFA program as fast as possible and to receive the charter.
2. To foster quant skills through passing FRM, CAIA and Actuarial Science exams.
3. To learn C++ and Python.
4. To publish some 10 research papers on the financial industry of Bangladesh (the country I live in).

Some of my friends are suggest that I take a preliminary Master in Economics course in Bangladesh and then apply for MFE abroad. Their reasoning is that I can ensure the fulfillment of the academic requirements (primarily mathematical) through an ME program at home. But I feel a bit uncomfortable right now because no degrees from my country will make up for a global standard while FRM, CAIA, Actuarial Science (UK) etc. can. So, what do you suggest? Sticking to my own plan? Please, help me decide.

 

[Canuck]

I was in the same situation as you roughly 2 years ago. I had graduated from mcgill with a degree in finance and operations management and wanted to become a quant/I banker. But with my credentials I wasn't offered anything attractive.
Best advice I got from a friend in boston: re-do a bachelors in math and learn some coding along the way.
It was really really hard.
I had to transfer to Concordia, was in classes with people 3 years younger (and sometimes smarter) than me, not to mention the fact that I was married.
But I toughed it out and got A's in all but two of my classes (damn you pdes!), managed to get an internship at a fantastic firm (barometer capital in toronto), and now I'm graduating with 3.95 and going to the u of t mmf program (I also got admits to columbia mafn, rutgers msmf and boston msmf).
Anyways this is what worked for me, maybe it'll work for you too, best of luck.