From the NYT
http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/08/02/errant-trades-reveal-a-risk-few-expected/?hpw
In this scenario, how would one find employment without really strong programming skill? I know many MFE programs where they teach little to no programming. Scary.
Thanks for your posts, Andy. I am curious as to what you would consider to be 'little' programming.
As I am completing my internship, programming is the one thing where I always wish I knew more / did it better and I think that will remain true as I start the full-time job hunt. However, it is tricky to structure better programming work in an academic program, no? Although I took our ECE coding course at RU, I probably learned lightyears more from coding 8 hrs per day as an intern on a 'real-world' application.
I would agree with you that MFEs should have more programming work because 1) no one can predict what internships the students get or accept and 2) even having worked and coded a bit, I wish I knew more so I can sell myself to employers. However, the question that comes after, then, is what to cut from the MFE program?
From my limited experience, it seems that MFE programs define themselves by teaching stochastic calculus rigorously and applications to exotic derivatives pricing yet this is not a particularly advantageous skill for an MS-level person to have. How much Statistics knowledge is relevant or can be cut? What about the role of traditional finance / accounting (MBA stuff) in an MFE curriculum?
If the goal is to build a better coding experience, what is relevant from the CS area? Algorithm (Complexity) Theory? Graph Theory? Compilers? This type of knowledge itself wouldn't be pure coding, but if the integration of coding into the degree focuses on mechanics, how is it superior to getting a job as a junior developer?
Also, if Stochastic Calculus is reduced as a topic, can an MFE survive as something different than just getting an MS in CS, Statistics or Applied Math?
*Not expecting you to have the answers. Just my own ponderings.