Hi QuantNet community,
I’m looking for guidance on picking a master’s program that will position me well for quantitative-trading roles. Below is a quick snapshot of my background, motivation, and the pathways I’m weighing. I’d really appreciate any feedback.
Background
• Current degree: BSc in Economics
• Academic focus: electives in econometrics and mathematical finance (Financial Time Series, Stochastic Processes in Finance, Monte Carlo Methods, and similar)
• Grades: first-class equivalent
• Programming: competitive-programming experience; C++, Python, and R
• Experience: internship at an econometrics consultancy boutique and an incoming full-time role at a regional, quantitatively driven prop-trading firm
• GMAT: 755
Motivation
I originally aimed for a general finance master’s in Europe, but I’ve realised I’m far more motivated by the quantitative side of markets than by the corporate-finance track. I want a program that deepens my statistical and mathematical toolkit while boosting my odds of landing a quant-trading role.
Programs I would like to apply to:
• MSc in Statistics / Data Science — the most realistic fit for my profile; statistics coursework that I’d genuinely enjoy and that maps directly to the job
• MSc in Applied Mathematics — would round out my quantitative toolkit, adding credibility where my economics background is lighter
• MSc in Financial Engineering — likely the easiest program to parlay into a first quant role, but many courses emphasise breadth over depth and overlap with material I’ve already covered, so the marginal learning might be lower for me
• Any other that I have not yet considered
My questions are the following:
• Are there specific programs in Europe (or elsewhere) that you’d recommend for someone with my profile for the statistics/data science/applied mathematics masters?
• Are there additional skills or experiences I should pursue before applying?
Thanks in advance for your insights!
I’m looking for guidance on picking a master’s program that will position me well for quantitative-trading roles. Below is a quick snapshot of my background, motivation, and the pathways I’m weighing. I’d really appreciate any feedback.
Background
• Current degree: BSc in Economics
• Academic focus: electives in econometrics and mathematical finance (Financial Time Series, Stochastic Processes in Finance, Monte Carlo Methods, and similar)
• Grades: first-class equivalent
• Programming: competitive-programming experience; C++, Python, and R
• Experience: internship at an econometrics consultancy boutique and an incoming full-time role at a regional, quantitatively driven prop-trading firm
• GMAT: 755
Motivation
I originally aimed for a general finance master’s in Europe, but I’ve realised I’m far more motivated by the quantitative side of markets than by the corporate-finance track. I want a program that deepens my statistical and mathematical toolkit while boosting my odds of landing a quant-trading role.
Programs I would like to apply to:
• MSc in Statistics / Data Science — the most realistic fit for my profile; statistics coursework that I’d genuinely enjoy and that maps directly to the job
• MSc in Applied Mathematics — would round out my quantitative toolkit, adding credibility where my economics background is lighter
• MSc in Financial Engineering — likely the easiest program to parlay into a first quant role, but many courses emphasise breadth over depth and overlap with material I’ve already covered, so the marginal learning might be lower for me
• Any other that I have not yet considered
My questions are the following:
• Are there specific programs in Europe (or elsewhere) that you’d recommend for someone with my profile for the statistics/data science/applied mathematics masters?
• Are there additional skills or experiences I should pursue before applying?
Thanks in advance for your insights!
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