Trading vs Dev

[odruz]

Hello,

I am a 2nd year university student at a top public university in the United States trying to get into quant, and from my understanding I am currently on a better track for dev (which I do think is better suited to my interests), but it seems that there’s a lot of overlap between what a “dev” and “trader” might do in certain firms, and I’m looking for a little more clarification on what these differences are, as well as what roles I am better suited for.

My general profile is this: BS in Computer Science, focused on algorithms and ML, Minor in Mathematics (Classes: multivariable, diffeq, linear, intro to probability, math of finance[covers stochastic, Black-Scholes, etc.]), BBA focused in tech/finance. GPA will end somewhere from 3.5-3.7. I also have some decent personal projects, and founded a quant project-team club in my first year.

So I have 3 general questions about this:
1. What type of roles should I expect to be attainable at what times considering my profile? Would a masters in CS, DS, or MFE be necessary or is it possible that I could get an offer upon finishing undergrad?
2. What differences would there be for me if I targeted dev vs trading? Id like to make a decision on what’s a better fit for me so I can cater my projects and self-studying to that.
3. At what points in my current qualifications am I lacking? What can I do to try to help myself stand out a bit more in applications?

Any advice is much appreciated, just looking for whatever guidance I can get.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Have a good read at this and let me know if it answers some of your questions

What do quants do – and how do you become one?

What does it mean to work in quantitative finance? How do you get a job as a quant?

www.efinancialcareers.com

 

[odruz]

Hey Andy,

Very helpful read, it cleared up a lot for me, but I still have a few questions. The p-measure and trading/market microstructure area seems the most interesting to me. Is there a trend in the way that roles in this area tend to be organized? What math would be best to study specifically for this area? I’m generally interested in the most software oriented side of things so I just want to make sure I pick an area where the programmer in me is fulfilled.

 

[Olga Inglis]

Hello,

I am a 2nd year university student at a top public university in the United States trying to get into quant, and from my understanding I am currently on a better track for dev (which I do think is better suited to my interests), but it seems that there’s a lot of overlap between what a “dev” and “trader” might do in certain firms, and I’m looking for a little more clarification on what these differences are, as well as what roles I am better suited for.

My general profile is this: BS in Computer Science, focused on algorithms and ML, Minor in Mathematics (Classes: multivariable, diffeq, linear, intro to probability, math of finance[covers stochastic, Black-Scholes, etc.]), BBA focused in tech/finance. GPA will end somewhere from 3.5-3.7. I also have some decent personal projects, and founded a quant project-team club in my first year.

So I have 3 general questions about this:
1. What type of roles should I expect to be attainable at what times considering my profile? Would a masters in CS, DS, or MFE be necessary or is it possible that I could get an offer upon finishing undergrad?
2. What differences would there be for me if I targeted dev vs trading? Id like to make a decision on what’s a better fit for me so I can cater my projects and self-studying to that.
3. At what points in my current qualifications am I lacking? What can I do to try to help myself stand out a bit more in applications?

Any advice is much appreciated, just looking for whatever guidance I can get.

C++

 

[MikeLawrence]

So I have 3 general questions about this:
1. What type of roles should I expect to be attainable at what times considering my profile? Would a masters in CS, DS, or MFE be necessary or is it possible that I could get an offer upon finishing undergrad?
2. What differences would there be for me if I targeted dev vs trading? Id like to make a decision on what’s a better fit for me so I can cater my projects and self-studying to that.
3. At what points in my current qualifications am I lacking? What can I do to try to help myself stand out a bit more in applications?

Any advice is much appreciated, just looking for whatever guidance I can get.

1. Masters is generally a prerequisite. Dev is the easiest to get into from undergrad, but you'll need to get some good work experience.
2. Generally quite a bit of difference. Almost opposite ends of the front-back office spectrum. Possibly less at HFT firms. I don't have any work experience here so you'll have to find out more on specifics firm-firm for yourself.
3. Have you got work experience? Internships are helpful. Otherwise, you look pretty good. I'm biased but I think some more math is always helpful- try to work in some numerical math- I don't know what's covered in your alto's and ML oriented courses, but fit in as much numerical math as you can on top of it.

 

[MichaelLewis]

1. Masters is generally a prerequisite. Dev is the easiest to get into from undergrad, but you'll need to get some good work experience.
2. Generally quite a bit of difference. Almost opposite ends of the front-back office spectrum. Possibly less at HFT firms. I don't have any work experience here so you'll have to find out more on specifics firm-firm for yourself.
3. Have you got work experience? Internships are helpful. Otherwise, you look pretty good. I'm biased but I think some more math is always helpful- try to work in some numerical math- I don't know what's covered in your alto's and ML oriented courses, but fit in as much numerical math as you can on top of it.

1. Some people view a masters as a second chance to make up for the fact that you didn’t break in straight from undergrad. As a result, it’s viewed less favorably. This may depend on the role though.
2. Is not necessarily true. Plenty of devs are front office.