# New Quantnet members say hi

#### cjbuckley

Hi all, I'm Jared, a new quantnet member. I may be an MFE candidate in the future, but I'm currently an undeclared sophomore studying computer science, math, and stats at Columbia. Just wanted to say thank you to all of you for the wealth of information that I've gotten lurking on this forum for years and that I'm excited to now be a part of the community. Best.

#### mathemagician

Hiya guys/gals!

I'm an undergraduate senior mathematics major with a minor in computer science (traditional) from Western Illinois University - I'll graduate in May of 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. I'm focused in algebra and applied mathematics. Courses I've taken include, in some type of order:

From mathematics:
Intermediate Algebra
College Algebra
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
Calculus I, II, III (I actually took the proficiency test for Calculus III to graduate on time)
Mathematica lab
Linear Algebra
Introduction to Mathematical Logic and Set Theory
Mathematical Modeling
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I
Ordinary Differential Equations
ODE Lab (final project will be looking into applications of Wiener process and Ito process for retirement models using Mathematica, I'll be happy to post it once its complete if anyone's interested)
Abstract Algebra
Theory of Partial Differential Equations (a graduate level class I am taking for undergraduate credit)

From computer science:
Principles of Object-oriented Programming I, II
Data Structures
Computer Architecture and Organization
Automata and Computability Theory

From finance/economics:
Risk Management and Insurance
Investments
Principles of Microeconomics
Principles of Macroeconomics

I was originally a psychology major, started from the very bottom rung of the ladder (starting with the "remedial" course Intermediate Algebra), then after sorting through some medical problems, I discovered I was very capable of performing and understanding mathematics and switched to a Mathematics major. To give some background, I failed College Algebra THREE times due to medical reasons. I did OK in Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus and barely received a passing grade for Calculus I. Once my health situation remedied, I aced Calculus II with the highest grade in the class, taught myself the concepts and theories from Calculus III to test out of the course, and have been excelling at the rest of my courses. Looking back, I think it was important I didn't immediately jump into the calculus sequence (as is the typical route most mathematics majors go) - I was able to develop an in-depth understanding of topics previously learned in high school. Moral of the story: Hard work and perseverance can achieve almost anything. Also, transferring universities (in some cases) resets your GPA.

I find mathematics fascinating but wasn't thrilled by physics as much as I was by financing - I almost refused to believe that a blind-folded monkey throwing darts at the financial section of a newspaper could pick better market performers than most actively managed funds. The movie "Margin Call" also sparked my interest, as did learning about James Simons from Renaissance Technologies, and the 2008-2009 recession. So, I decided to pursue financial mathematics to both understand why our primate cousins can outsmart some of the more intelligent minds the world has to offer and because I'm attracted to the challenge the field offers - long hours and mentally straneous work in an environment where you are competing (in a sense) against other "players" or "teams" to see who can get the "highest score". It almost sounds like a fantasy.

I plan on applying to UIUC's MFE program as well as the Financial Mathematics program at University of Chicago. I have yet to take the GRE or Mathematics subject test. If I am not accepted, I will probably enter the industry as some kind of code monkey or analyst and continue to re-apply.

If you have any questions, I'm always happy to answer or help in any way that I can. I look forward to going over all the information available on QuantNet - I'm currently having one hell of a great time trying to solve some of the practice interview questions, keep the puzzles coming!

Best of luck to you all!
-mathemagician

PS: I'm also looking for networking and employment opportunities, so feel free to start a conversation with me about stuff pertaining to mathematical finance, or mathematics in general. I'm always open to making friends/acquaintances even if they are over the internet!

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#### Siyu The Philosopher

Hey everyone!

I'm Siyu and I've been a software developer for a little over one and half a year. I did my undergrad at Univ. of Washington and graduated with the degree of Electrical Engineering, though my focus was heavily towards the Computer Engineering.

I always have the interests in the math modeling, software programming and finance, even though I don't know as much in finance as I do in math modeling and software programming. I was researching on a career path that could allow me to combine my three areas of interests, and then I came across various MFE programs. I noticed the online C++ course for FE provided by quantnet is really a good first step for me to step into the world of FE. I would like to know more about FE and if I would like to become a quant one day.

Thanks for providing the quant platform!

#### IsaacA

Hello everyone,

My name is Isaac. I am fifth year undergrad student at U of T. My programs of studies are Statistics (Quantitative Finance Specialist) and Economics (Major). Currently studying Bloomberg machine and VBA. Looking for first time summer internship.

Cheers

#### Bowenvan

Hi,

My name is Bowen. I am fourth-year civil engineering student at U of T. I have a minor in economics. I love meeting new faces.

Thank you.

Bowen Wu

#### Apricot

Hi. I'm a mechatronics graduate that ended up getting part time work at a hedgefund. Now at a career crossroad, between staying full time as an analyst, or moving to an IT company to build up my programming (especially scripting and SQL stuff). Thank you.

#### Fernando Uribe

Hi everyone! My name is Fernando. I am a civil engineer from Peru, and I am looking forward to apply for a MFE program. This forum has been very helpful and informative for me for so long, and I thought it would be a good idea to be more active. Thanks!

#### Svetlana

Hi Andy and others,
Im from Russia and we are going to visit New-York in the beginning of December. Is there any special place (bar) that quants usually go to? I heard about such bar but I dont remember its name. We are looking for high-frequency trading quants. Also I need a guy to be in contact with. I really-really need your help, pleeeeeease. Thanks in advance))))

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#### userzo

Hi all,
My name is Zak, I'm the creator of DMSolution which is a solution to manage derivatives products from the start to the expiry. I'm pleased to be one of the members of quantnet

#### Lkarna

Hello everyone! I'm new here and don't know a lot of people here yet. It would be cool to know where are you guys from
Personally, I'm from Finland. I'm interested in quantitative finance and would love to learn about it a bit more deeply.

#### Daniel Duffy

##### C++ author, trainer
Welcome to Quantnet.
BTW do you like metal: Finntroll,. Wintersun, Lordi(?)

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#### alpozcan

Hi all,

I'm a software engineer with an interest on quantitative analysis and specifically the machine learning applications of it.

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Hi all,

I'm a senior researcher working for government in Canada. I've been doing quantitative trading at home for the last four years and I would like to connect with professionals and know more about the field. I really enjoyed the reading I found on Quantnet so far so please keep posting ! And don't hesitate to contact me!

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ZFL

#### MattRobinson

Hi Everyone,

My name is Matt I am new to the working world, I have spent 8 months as a risk analyst for an extremely well-known firm in London, I have a BSc in Mathematics and MSc in Mathematical Finance. I am currently doing my CFA for that injection of corporate finance! At the moment I am extremely interested in Monte Carlo simulations with respect to different risk metrics, so most of my posts will be regarding that!

#### Daniel Duffy

##### C++ author, trainer
Hi Everyone,

My name is Matt I am new to the working world, I have spent 8 months as a risk analyst for an extremely well-known firm in London, I have a BSc in Mathematics and MSc in Mathematical Finance. I am currently doing my CFA for that injection of corporate finance! At the moment I am extremely interested in Monte Carlo simulations with respect to different risk metrics, so most of my posts will be regarding that!
Welcome to Quantnet, Matt!
I have taken the liberty to place a link to your MSc thesis here

#### MattRobinson

Hey Daniel, fancy seeing you here! Thanks for that!

#### Daniel Duffy

##### C++ author, trainer
Hey Daniel, fancy seeing you here! Thanks for that!
Matt, I have known the friendly people of QN and Baruch for almost 15 years now and I am the originator of the 2 C++ online courses here.
So, I like to have a look to see how everyone is doin', say hello and hopefully be useful

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