how to get an entry-level intern in trading or quant

[Steven Tao]

interested in positions like trading assistant and quant, but dont know what to do to get those sorts of positions. im glad to hear someone give me any advice!

 

[MRoss]

1. High School
2. Bachelor's in Mathematics. Minor in Finance/Computer Science
3. An internship or job in quantitative finance
4. CFAs (Optional)
5. Master's in Financial Engineering (Phd in Applied Math first if you wish to do research)
6. Internship in quant-type job
7. Done!

... did I miss something?

 

[euroazn]

1. High School
2. Bachelor's in Mathematics. Minor in Finance/Computer Science
3. An internship or job in quantitative finance
4. CFAs (Optional)
5. Master's in Financial Engineering (Phd in Applied Math first if you wish to do research)
6. Internship in quant-type job
7. Done!

... did I miss something?

Crap I'm only on step 2

 

[MRoss]

Cheer up!

I was on "step 2" 4 months ago. Time flies when you have exams coming up.

 

[Aaron Wong]

1. High School
2. Bachelor's in Mathematics. Minor in Finance/Computer Science
3. An internship or job in quantitative finance
4. CFAs (Optional)
5. Master's in Financial Engineering (Phd in Applied Math first if you wish to do research)
6. Internship in quant-type job
7. Done!

... did I miss something?

I must say, that is such a complete how to. Thanks so much! LOL

Anyways, is Phd in Applied Math really the only way? Although I am still doing my undergrad stuff, I'm probably going to go for a Phd in Pure Math before financial engineering. Would that seriously hinder my marketability?

 

[MRoss]

Hmm. Someone who is more knowledgeable should speak up but I don't think it would make a difference. But "hinder"? Certainly not.

Just a question: Why Phd before MFE? Do you specifically want to do research?

 

[Steven Tao]

1. High School
2. Bachelor's in Mathematics. Minor in Finance/Computer Science
3. An internship or job in quantitative finance
4. CFAs (Optional)
5. Master's in Financial Engineering (Phd in Applied Math first if you wish to do research)
6. Internship in quant-type job
7. Done!

... did I miss something?

thx a lot. btw, do you have any tips about how to get the FIRST intern in quantitative finance. getting my first intern in quantitative field is sort of hard.

 

[MRoss]

My suggestion (which I am certain many people will argue is not a good one) would be to first take an internship at a non-quant related finance job. That's what I did to brush up my resume. I worked on the equity side of an investment bank.

You can easily get into an MFE program with non-quant related experience as long as you show promise.

 

[Steven Tao]

My suggestion (which I am certain many people will argue is not a good one) would be to first take an internship at a non-quant related finance job. That's what I did to brush up my resume. I worked on the equity side of an investment bank.

You can easily get into an MFE program with non-quant related experience as long as you show promise.

you mean like equity analyst that kind of things, right. well, the job market is not well and i think ill just keep trying till i get it.

 

[didje]

Cross your fingers and pray

 

[Steven Tao]

Cross your fingers and pray

instead, i turn to quantnet for help

lol

 

[Aaron Wong]

Hmm. Someone who is more knowledgeable should speak up but I don't think it would make a difference. But "hinder"? Certainly not.

Just a question: Why Phd before MFE? Do you specifically want to do research?

I have a lot of passion for pure mathematics namely in the areas of analysis and number theory. I would really like to contribute something to one of those areas via my Phd thesis even if it is oh so little and oh so insignificant. Classes in advanced calculus and ode are fun and all but when they are theory based, I enjoy it that much more.

I have no problem filling in a quant research role. I just can't imagine filling in a research role in academia due to the fact that I have to mix in teaching into my schedule. It isn't that I don't want to teach. I'm just the kind of person who wouldn't give partial credit on anything so people would hate me. lol.

The fact is that there is so much I want to learn but so little time... Honestly, to get my Phd is good enough for me. But to be able to obtain an MFE and break into quant finance afterwards so that I can apply all the maths I've ever learned? No insult to the holy ones out there but I don't need to go to church to go to heaven. I'm already there.

Thanks for listening to my life story. LOL

 

[MRoss]

Interesting! Most people have one goal. You seem to have two. I guess you have more time to kill than the rest of us

 

[Steven Tao]

I have a lot of passion for pure mathematics namely in the areas of analysis and number theory. I would really like to contribute something to one of those areas via my Phd thesis even if it is oh so little and oh so insignificant. Classes in advanced calculus and ode are fun and all but when they are theory based, I enjoy it that much more.

I have no problem filling in a quant research role. I just can't imagine filling in a research role in academia due to the fact that I have to mix in teaching into my schedule. It isn't that I don't want to teach. I'm just the kind of person who wouldn't give partial credit on anything so people would hate me. lol.

The fact is that there is so much I want to learn but so little time... Honestly, to get my Phd is good enough for me. But to be able to obtain an MFE and break into quant finance afterwards so that I can apply all the maths I've ever learned? No insult to the holy ones out there but I don't need to go to church to go to heaven. I'm already there.

Thanks for listening to my life story. LOL

u r welcome... ORZ

 

[Dcai]

The easiest way to get an entry level intern in trading is the following:

1. ivy league undergrad
2. exceptional at networking

 

[Steven Tao]

The easiest way to get an entry level intern in trading is the following:

1. ivy league undergrad
2. exceptional at networking

well, not every one comes from ivy league...

 

[Ken Abbott]

3. Ask Joy Pathak how. He's the reigning world champion internship expert.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

For those new to the site, Joy did post his internship hunting experience as well as chronicled his transition from engineering to finance
http://www.quantnet.com/how-to-get-your-dream-quant-internship/
http://www.quantnet.com/quant-job-advice-from-wall-street-executives/

 

[Andy Nguyen]

It's a sure way to annoy people, get blocked of future email. Just like blanket applying for jobs online, this kind of mass communication rarely results in positive outcome.

 

[D C]

ohhhh woooow, look at the last couple of words - he/she misspelled 'resume'