F# does indeed show promise, but only one bank I know is using it for production work.
To me it nicely shows why I'm cynical about Java and C# for quant work.
Although they have good points, all three languages are very similar, which means to me that they are unlikely to offer the sort of quantum leap in utility that justifies a wholesale change of strategic language.
F# is different enough to offer some profound advantages, though I am not yet ready to say that it is worth the effort.
It does however look promising, although MS are seen by some as dumb and evil, having their support for a next generation language brings a lot of benefits, like a top class development environment and a critical mass of users. Even MS failed projects like J# still have more users than some products that think themselves successful.
I would like to clarify my position on
C++
Although I am always ready to have an argument about the merits of different development tools and methods, I am writing here in my capacity as a headhunter to an audience most of whom are pretty close to looking for a job. Also at Baruch you get taught
C++, which is by no means universal.
I have an analogy with dating....
Which distribution of views by the opposite sex of you is better ?
50% think you are a failed genetic experiment.
40% think you have a nice personality for a friend
10% think you are sex on legs.
or
70% think you are a mutant
10% don't mind talking to you
20% want you now
By focusing on
C++, rather than loading up a bit of SQL, Perl, C#. Java etc you are increasing the set of jobs that will not even consider you.
But since in the time left to you, it is impossible to get good at these, it means you upgrade from "totally failing" to get a job to "just missing".
Rarely is that improvement of any value.
Putting C# on your CV might get you an interview, if backed by
C++, but if you flounder in the interview questions it is a waste.
But the same effort plishing your
C++ will increase the chance of getting that job, and they will usually reason that someone
who is shit hot at
C++ can learn C#
Rarely will a manager think "he is mediocre at
C++ and mediocre at C# therefore I want him".