Non STEM Graduate (BBA) Aspiring to break in Quant Finance

[tanishqarora]

Hi everyone,

My name is Tanishq and I’m 21 and looking for some honest advice from this amazing community.
Here’s my background and dilemma:
• I hold a Bachelors in Business Administration (Finance & Accountancy).
• I’m currently pursuing FRM, but I’m very clear that FRM alone won’t get me into a quantitative finance role.
• My ultimate goal is to break into Quantitative Finance / Risk / Trading roles that require solid mathematical and programming skills.

The problem:
I’m not a STEM graduate.
• I lack a rigorous foundation in advanced math (calculus, linear algebra, probability, stochastic processes, PDEs) which are crucial for quant finance.
• I also know that an MFE isn’t feasible for me yet — because even top MFE programs expect strong undergrad-level math and programming, which I currently don’t have.

Options I’m considering:

Get a BSc in Mathematics (distance ):
• But this will take another 3 years, which is a big time commitment.
Learn math on my own via online courses + local tutors (to ensure proper understanding), targeting:
• Calculus (single, multivariable), Linear Algebra, Probability, Statistics, Optimization.
Once I build competence via self study, attempt exams like IIT JAM / GATE in Mathematics purely to signal math ability on my CV. However they don't include topics like stochastic calc, etc..
Possibly a PGDM / Data Science diploma — but most are expensive and not mathematically rigorous enough to substitute actual math.

My concerns:
• I don’t want to create a gap after my graduation. I want to pursue this journey alongside internships / initial jobs.
• I need clarity: Is a formal Math degree necessary, or is disciplined self-study (with exams like JAM/GATE for validation) enough to pivot to quant?
• If self-study is viable, how do I structure the topics progressively, and how to build proof of math ability for recruiters / programs?

Looking for your advice:
• How would you chart this path if you were in my shoes?
• Are there people here who broke into quant roles from a non-STEM undergrad purely through self-study + certifications?
• Would a JAM/GATE math score add credibility (with good ranks) even if I never intend to join an IIT MSc?

Thank you so much for reading. I want to get this sorted early, as time is critical. Grateful for any guidance or blunt truths.

 

[chasetheguy]

I am a recent finance graduate, and I believe the first step is furthering your education to complete the prerequisite courses required for your desired programs. These include Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, and Probability, which should be taken at an accredited college or university. I have personally emailed several schools on the top 20 list, and 7 out of 10 (70%) indicated that a credit-bearing course is necessary to fulfill the prerequisites before applying. Therefore, I recommend against taking courses through platforms like Coursera or MOOCs unless they are credit-bearing, as it is essential to have a transcript for these courses.

If you're looking to expedite your university courses, you might consider taking a Coursera or MOOC course in advance to help you prepare for the online or in-person classes. However, ensure that it is reflected on your transcript and includes a corresponding grade.

Next, I suggest learning C++. I am currently pursuing this path for several reasons. C++ is one of the most challenging yet fundamental programming languages to master. Gaining proficiency in C++ provides a solid foundation for learning other programming languages. If you can demonstrate that you have learned C++, which is a rigorous language, it can strengthen your application by showing that you will likely find it easier to learn Python, R, and others. For example, C++ is primarily used in aerospace applications, including by companies like SpaceX for their rocket programs. (They are literally flying rockets back to earth from outer space autonomously) Understanding C++ will help you grasp the inner workings of machines in depth.

I have not yet purchased any C++ courses, but I plan to do so after completing the free levels 1 and 2. This will allow me to focus on earning distinction credits.

Additionally, when applying to these programs, I have an idea: instead of stating that you want to become a trader, express your intention to work on the sell-side and eventually aim for a position on the buy-side. Many programs care about their employment rates, so by demonstrating awareness that not everyone secures a trading role immediately, you show you have researched the path you wish to take. This could give you an advantage in the application process.

I hope this information is helpful. If anyone else has suggestions for strengthening our chances of getting into a top program, I would love to hear them!

 

[fabiantum]

Hi everyone,

My name is Tanishq and I’m 21 and looking for some honest advice from this amazing community.
Here’s my background and dilemma:
• I hold a Bachelors in Business Administration (Finance & Accountancy).
• I’m currently pursuing FRM, but I’m very clear that FRM alone won’t get me into a quantitative finance role.
• My ultimate goal is to break into Quantitative Finance / Risk / Trading roles that require solid mathematical and programming skills.

The problem:
I’m not a STEM graduate.
• I lack a rigorous foundation in advanced math (calculus, linear algebra, probability, stochastic processes, PDEs) which are crucial for quant finance.
• I also know that an MFE isn’t feasible for me yet — because even top MFE programs expect strong undergrad-level math and programming, which I currently don’t have.

Options I’m considering:

Get a BSc in Mathematics (distance ):
• But this will take another 3 years, which is a big time commitment.
Learn math on my own via online courses + local tutors (to ensure proper understanding), targeting:
• Calculus (single, multivariable), Linear Algebra, Probability, Statistics, Optimization.
Once I build competence via self study, attempt exams like IIT JAM / GATE in Mathematics purely to signal math ability on my CV. However they don't include topics like stochastic calc, etc..
Possibly a PGDM / Data Science diploma — but most are expensive and not mathematically rigorous enough to substitute actual math.

My concerns:
• I don’t want to create a gap after my graduation. I want to pursue this journey alongside internships / initial jobs.
• I need clarity: Is a formal Math degree necessary, or is disciplined self-study (with exams like JAM/GATE for validation) enough to pivot to quant?
• If self-study is viable, how do I structure the topics progressively, and how to build proof of math ability for recruiters / programs?

Looking for your advice:
• How would you chart this path if you were in my shoes?
• Are there people here who broke into quant roles from a non-STEM undergrad purely through self-study + certifications?
• Would a JAM/GATE math score add credibility (with good ranks) even if I never intend to join an IIT MSc?

Thank you so much for reading. I want to get this sorted early, as time is critical. Grateful for any guidance or blunt truths.

Tbh, as a maths student, I don't think self-studying is the way to go. You will skip hard problems and not train your problem-solving skills.
Also, getting it acknowledged that you can solve hard problems in the subjects that you claim to understand is a big deal. A lot of people tend to overestimate their abilities.

 

[indexquanty]

Tbh, as a maths student, I don't think self-studying is the way to go. You will skip hard problems and not train your problem-solving skills.
Also, getting it acknowledged that you can solve hard problems in the subjects that you claim to understand is a big deal. A lot of people tend to overestimate their abilities.

good perspective. do you think there is a work around with this? Doing undergraduate worksheets in the subject is an option but would be great to hear your 'educated' opinion

ive found self studying really helps nail down the intuiton especially with chat GPT but yh i do feel ill miss out on alot of the problem solving & proof skills

 

[fabiantum]

I don’t think that there is a short cut, maybe if you just take courses at the maths department of your university, which you will need at financial mathematics, could make it more efficient.

And yeah I think chat gpt is sometimes useful, I use it for revision or as a small introduction to new topics. Or you can just use it as motivation for the topic, just ask how this new chapter will be used.