Path to Quant Programs for Non-Quant Backgrounds

julia_tea · 6/17/22

Hey, I have a business admin background with some programming in Rust, JavaScript. I'm interested in becoming a quant.

1. How long will it take me, assuming I don't have any of the math pre-reqs?
2. Which programs are realistic for me to get into?

SD_ · 6/17/22

1. Shouldn't be more than 2 years.
2. You can see the class profile of program, they state it on their websites. That can give you an idea of what backgrounds usually the programs look for. This won't indicate that the program will not accept your application, it's just that you can understand for which programs, you'll have a better chances of getting accepted.

julia_tea · 6/17/22

Sudhansh Dua said:
1. Shouldn't be more than 2 years.
2. You can see the class profile of program, they state it on their websites. That can give you an idea of what backgrounds usually the programs look for. This won't indicate that the program will not accept your application, it's just that you can understand for which programs, you'll have a better chances of getting accepted.

This is really helpful. Did you come from a non-quantitative background too? What was your study path?

SD_ · 6/17/22

Not exactly, I have an engineering background but a masters in Management too. So I am aware about the business administration courses and curriculum.

julia_tea · 6/17/22

Sudhansh Dua said:
Not exactly, I have an engineering background but a masters in Management too. So I am aware about the business administration courses and curriculum.

Ah okay. Will be a lot harder for me

SD_ · 6/17/22

julia_tea said:
Ah okay. Will be a lot harder for me

Are you working in the FS industry currently?

julia_tea · 6/17/22

Sudhansh Dua said:
Are you working in the FS industry currently?

I'm in corporate fp&a

SD_ · 6/17/22

Okay, if you can change your role while preparing for the pre-requisites, that will be very helpful. For example, while preparing for calculus, ML and python, or after doing a course like C++ for Financial Engineering, you can try applying for a role that is a little more towards derivatives/quant side in a bank or Big4. Getting a role would be really hard, but once you get into such a role, you can go further towards the quantitative side by taking more responsibilities. That's what I did while working.

julia_tea · 6/17/22

Sudhansh Dua said:
Okay, if you can change your role while preparing for the pre-requisites, that will be very helpful. For example, while preparing for calculus, ML and python, or after doing a course like C++ for Financial Engineering, you can try applying for a role that is a little more towards derivatives/quant side in a bank or Big4. Getting a role would be really hard, but once you get into such a role, you can go further towards the quantitative side by taking more responsibilities. That's what I did while working.

Thank you =)

Quasar Chunawala · 6/19/22

Don't see any reason why it should be relatively harder. Pick up any undergrad Calculus and Linear Algebra book. You should be good to go.

MLV · 6/20/22

This exact response applies here: MFE with a Finance Degree

I had the same issue - ended up getting a dual master's degree in two years time. A number of programs should be a real possibility for you.

Path to Quant Programs for Non-Quant Backgrounds

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