Prepare MFE as an Information Systems with non-math background

[KevinDinh]

Hi everyone, I just finished my Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Information Systems in the University of Auckland. I found out about quantitative finance only at the final sem when I was about to graduate and I am planning to prepare for future application for MFE. During my undergrad, the subjects that are related to the field are only Stats 101 and Big Data & Machine Learning. Luckily they are all grade A with Big Data & Machine Learning are heavily involved in Python programming. But I recognised that I have missed a lot of prerequisites in the math side. I have planned for studying for the prerequisites while working as a data analyst, but I wonder if these resources are valid enough:

- For Math, I planned to study courses in Harvard or Berkeley extensions. Calculus 1, Calculus 2, Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra. I think that I should study another prob/stat courses but I dont know which one. I have a NCEA level 3 math with merit endorsement in highschool in New Zealand which I think is equivalent to A level.

-For Programming skills, I planned to get a c++ certificates in quantnet while doing leetcodes and projects related to data science and quantitative finance in Python. For my recent programming and data skills, I am profficient in Python, SQL, MongoDB and Excel for data wrangling, data analysis and doing machine learning models.

-For experience, I plan to network my way to work in the stock exchange in Ho Chi Minh city (I am currently in VietNam) or in leading vietnamese banks.

-Bonus: My sister is an alumni in Baruch college. She got a master in business analytics in Baruch. Will that be a plus when I apply for Baruch

The reason why I know the field is when I started to learn how to trade forex and stocks during my final year in university. I implement my skill I learn in uni to gather insights from the financial market data without knowing anything about quantitative finance. After 1.5 year and discover about this field, I finally know what I am really passionate about and I am ready to do anything possible to acheive my dream. I am 22 years old and I am ready to take my time to grind so I would love if you guys can advice me on this, on what I need to prepare for MFE. Thank you guys

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Hey Kevin,
Welcome to QuantNet. Glad that you found the right resources here to prepare for your future career.
It's never too late and with the right preparation, you can make your profile more competitive for top programs.
Take the right math courses, programming courses and work on some projects to showcase your knowledge/ability.
There is no legacy preference when it comes to quant admission. You need to be qualified on your own merits. Your sister may give you tips and insights into navigating life at Baruch.
Getting into a quant program is just the first step in the long journey. You need to be able to learn and look beyond it.

Baruch MFE Thread 'Feedback on plan for building profile for Baruch MFE Fall 2026?'

9/2/24

Hi everyone,

I posted here around a month ago, and have since put together a plan for the next year in order to bolster my application, as well as fill most of the quantitative holes from my undergrad degree. Any feedback/suggestions would be much appreciated!

A little background:
I graduated in 2021 with a BBA in Economics/Finance from Baruch College. My GPA was not good (~3.00), but I’ve since gained 3.5 years of experience in industry. My career so far has been in data engineering, software project management, and data science. I consider myself very proficient in Python, SQL...

• grxthy
• Replies: 25
• Forum: United States

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[KevinDinh]

Thank you for the advice Andy,
Im very impressed on how supportive quantnet is. I have read the thread and I think that is the route that I want to take. I am still in consideration on where I should study for the courses. I think UND is great to study the courses with affordable fees, but then I came across UC San Diego Extended Studies with cheaper courses. Is UC San Diego Extended Studies a good option and are the credits credible? Besides that, I see that the math courses in these school have pre-requisites, is my NCEA Level 3 suitable for courses like Calculus 1 or Linear Algebra, or do I have to take Pre-calculus to qualify for that? Here is the topics that I have finished for NCEA Level 3 Mathematics with Merit Endorsement.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

I appreciate the kind words you have for our community. QuantNet has provided advice to tens of thousands of members since 2006. So many of them have obtained a career with 6-figures compensation since then. There is nowhere that you can get a better ROI than here
I don't have any insights on the UC San Diego extension options. I assume there are many similar online options like it. I would reach out to the programs you plan to apply to and ask them about the options you are considering.
While it's understandable to pick the inexpensive options that meet the requirements, keep in mind that in the long run, these costs (a few thousands) are peanuts compared to potential income you can earn over your lifetime. Also, getting into the best program will result in a few hundred thousands of more than a middling program over a career.
MFE is just a first step in a long journey.