What to choose?

[foudas]

Hello,
I am a mathematician with an MSc in pure maths and I am interested to get a quant position but unfortunately it is quite difficult without programming experience and sometimes without experience with data analysis and much statistics.
Hence I am exploring my other options which are to work in some kind of bank. I'd like to develop my skills so in the future I will have the required knowledge to apply for a quant job so I need some help from you to choose the best option.
For example I am thinking to apply to FSA and I like two options:
1) economics development programme :http://goo.gl/QV7rX
where they will sponsor me to get an MA in Economics
2) Risk specialist programme http://goo.gl/SFrMz
where they will sponsor me for professional risk management or financial risk management certificate.

Another example is Santander bank
They have options
1) Global banking and markets
2)Risk
3) Finance
etc.

Yet another example is Bloomberg which offers a financial software development programme for graduates where I believe I will learn some programming and maybe some finance.

My question is how can I choose?
Does my choice will help me get some more knowledge required from quants?
Is it possible to change jobs easily? (If Bloomberg to learn some programming and finance then can I apply to someone else or this is stupid thing to do)

I know the above is a mess and I will try to further explain what I mean if needed. I will really appreciate some help and insight.

Thank you

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Bloomberg IT is known for its high turnover rate which partially explains its high number of recruitment into these training programs.
Risk is a good area to be in for the near, medium term growth-wise. I can't tell if any of these roles will give you a platform to become a competent programmer/developer but you can't be one in a short 1-2 years. You need to have a better idea of your career goal and where you are better than your peer than just "to work in some kind of bank".