Notre Dame CompFin

[KP-PK]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone had any insights or info into the ND CompFin program that's not provided on their website (http://compfin.nd.edu/). Also any information on the Director, Dr. James Dillon Delaney (who previously was at CMCF)?

Thanks for any information

 

[Andy Nguyen]

The first students will start this Fall so you won't likely get any useful info outside of the little info on their website.

 

[hoopskid]

Hey so I'm an ND undergrad (junior) in the Applied Math dept (where the Comp Fin program is) and I've currently applied to the Comp Fin program for a 5th year (easy application for current undergrads), but I'll try to help out a little bit. I also know Dr. Delaney personally (taught my Intro to Prob course).

Dr. Delaney was an equity options market maker for Susquehanna Group on the CBOE before going in to academia (Temple then CMU now ND). As for the other faculty, I don't know exactly who is teaching what, but many faculty have research interests in mathematical finance (obviously).

Given that ND is not in any major city, it does make networking a bit challenging but it is only a short bus/train/car ride to Chicago. Despite the fact that the Comp Fin program at ND is new, ND does have a good presence in Chicago in the prop trading world, as well as on Wall Street (I-Banks do recruit on campus). Obviously not as good as an ivy league school but pretty good nonetheless. Most of this is thanks to the excellent reputation of the Mendoza business school. I was able to land interviews at top prop shops in Chicago after reaching out to ND grads, and many others were able to land interviews at BBs in NYC.

As for the program itself, it seems that it will be a good balance of fundamental mathematics as well as financial applications (including coding). It seems that the classes will be rather small so there shouldn't be much problem designing your own course curriculum (within reason) and research interests/area of study. Relatively speaking the program is also rather inexpensive ($42,750, even cheaper for undergrads who start during their senior year) and short (1 year plus 1 summer). I can also say from personal experience that every member of the faculty is approachable and knowledgeable and willing to speak with you and work with you on whatever projects you want.

All in all, despite not having an established reputation or prime location, I'd say that this is a program with a lot of potential, and having Notre Dame on your resume doesn't hurt. Obviously I'm a bit biased, but I hope this was useful to some people.

 

[Ying Wang]

Hey so I'm an ND undergrad (junior) in the Applied Math dept (where the Comp Fin program is) and I've currently applied to the Comp Fin program for a 5th year (easy application for current undergrads), but I'll try to help out a little bit. I also know Dr. Delaney personally (taught my Intro to Prob course).

Dr. Delaney was an equity options market maker for Susquehanna Group on the CBOE before going in to academia (Temple then CMU now ND). As for the other faculty, I don't know exactly who is teaching what, but many faculty have research interests in mathematical finance (obviously).

Given that ND is not in any major city, it does make networking a bit challenging but it is only a short bus/train/car ride to Chicago. Despite the fact that the Comp Fin program at ND is new, ND does have a good presence in Chicago in the prop trading world, as well as on Wall Street (I-Banks do recruit on campus). Obviously not as good as an ivy league school but pretty good nonetheless. Most of this is thanks to the excellent reputation of the Mendoza business school. I was able to land interviews at top prop shops in Chicago after reaching out to ND grads, and many others were able to land interviews at BBs in NYC.

As for the program itself, it seems that it will be a good balance of fundamental mathematics as well as financial applications (including coding). It seems that the classes will be rather small so there shouldn't be much problem designing your own course curriculum (within reason) and research interests/area of study. Relatively speaking the program is also rather inexpensive ($42,750, even cheaper for undergrads who start during their senior year) and short (1 year plus 1 summer). I can also say from personal experience that every member of the faculty is approachable and knowledgeable and willing to speak with you and work with you on whatever projects you want.

All in all, despite not having an established reputation or prime location, I'd say that this is a program with a lot of potential, and having Notre Dame on your resume doesn't hurt. Obviously I'm a bit biased, but I hope this was useful to some people.

Hi, thank you so much for your useful information. I am an international student and I was also admitted by this program. But what I concern most is the internship. I don't know whether faculty will give us some help on it, or I have to network all by myself...

 

[hoopskid]

Faculty will definitely advise you on how to get an internship, but obviously an internship isn't going to fall into your lap without doing some networking on your own. That being said, the career center does an excellent job of placing students, and there is even a Wall Street Club designed specifically for networking with alumni and recruiters on Wall Street. As with any form of education, its what you make of it.

 

[Raymond K]

Hi, I also got accepted and have no clues in this program. Are you gonna accept your admission?

 

[hoopskid]

If you have no clues about the program, definitely reach out to professors, because I'm sure that somebody in the department can answer whatever concerns you have. Talking to people will take you far in this world.

 

[hoopskid]

Also, as a current undergrad, I will be entering my senior year next year, so I still have time to decide whether or not to attend, so I do not know yet.

 

[Raymond K]

If you have no clues about the program, definitely reach out to professors, because I'm sure that somebody in the department can answer whatever concerns you have. Talking to people will take you far in this world.

Thank you for your suggestion and I will contact the faculty for more information