Laid off from Research Analyst Job, have admits to quant programs for Fall 2025. What do i do till then, take up a job or study for the CFA?

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shreyasdeu

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Hi, I am a computer science engineering graduate from August 2024. I have been working since then and have just been laid off today from my previous employment. Luckily, I have secured an admit for fall 2025 in to the financial engineering masters program in a few colleges. I would like to know what the implications of this are for me, and taking into consideration there are 5 months left before i begin my program , does it make sense for me to take up another job? or should i prepare for the CFA program and work on my skillset till then. I have no one to guide me, so I have turned to the esteemed members of this forum for the same. I would also like to know how this would affect my future employment opportunities.
 
shreyasdeu said:
Hi, I am a computer science engineering graduate from August 2024. I have been working since then and have just been laid off today from my previous employment. Luckily, I have secured an admit for fall 2025 in to the financial engineering masters program in a few colleges. I would like to know what the implications of this are for me, and taking into consideration there are 5 months left before i begin my program , does it make sense for me to take up another job? or should i prepare for the CFA program and work on my skillset till then. I have no one to guide me, so I have turned to the esteemed members of this forum for the same. I would also like to know how this would affect my future employment opportunities.
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Taking up another job when you have only 5 months left is neither realistic nor adding much value to your resume (unless its some internship, which I doubt would be open to take an experienced candidate).

Try to prepare for your 26 intern hunt, go through green book,leetcode,stats etc..

If you can manage to complete any projects/courses that could boost your resume, that might help. I think you can find suggestions for these, somewhere in this forum. CFA might help as well.

Goodluck!
 
Itachi said:
Taking up another job when you have only 5 months left is neither realistic nor adding much value to your resume (unless its some internship, which I doubt would be open to take an experienced candidate).

Try to prepare for your 26 intern hunt, go through green book,leetcode,stats etc..

If you can manage to complete any projects/courses that could boost your resume, that might help. I think you can find suggestions for these, somewhere in this forum. CFA might help as well.

Goodluck!
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Thank you for your inputs, Itachi! definitely clears the confusion a great bit. Would you happen to know about the issues which may come in future employment prospects in the Quant domain if there is a gap of 5 months in the resume?
 
shreyasdeu said:
Thank you for your inputs, Itachi! definitely clears the confusion a great bit. Would you happen to know about the issues which may come in future employment prospects in the Quant domain if there is a gap of 5 months in the resume?
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I don't think a 5 month gap should be a big issue, especially when you do some projects in this period. But, please try to talk to more mfe alums regarding this.

I think many full time employees resign around 2 months(very few 3) before their uni starts anyway.
 
Itachi said:
I don't think a 5 month gap should be a big issue, especially when you do some projects in this period. But, please try to talk to more mfe alums regarding this.

I think many full time employees resign around 2 months(very few 3) before their uni starts anyway.
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Noted, will do this... thank you for your valuable inputs! Just thought that a 5 month gap would definitely raise eyebrows amongst recruiters.
 
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shreyasdeu said:
Hello, Andy. I have updated my tracker with my admits. Would appreciate your advice with respect to my admit and how I can navigate through this situation.
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I see that you have decided to join Stevens MFE. It's ranked #18 in our 2025 ranking so you will need to step up to compete with graduates from other NYC programs.
As others have said, 5 months gap is not an issue given that you will start the program in the Fall.
It's recommended that you use that 5 months to significantly strengthen your readiness for the program and interview/job search.
Andy Nguyen

Thread 'IMPORTANT: Things to do before starting your MFE program'

Now that many of our members have decided on their Master’s in Quant programs, I want to highlight an important topic—how to best prepare between now and the start of your program in mid-summer.
Proper preparation is crucial, as internship opportunities begin as soon as you step on campus. Many students are surprised by the intensity of coursework and how early the interview process starts.
I’d love to gather insights from first-year students and recent graduates—what advice would you give to incoming students?
Your input is invaluable, and I truly appreciate your help on behalf of the...
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