some Q's to the recruiters and the rest

ergotic · Post by **ergotic** » Mon Nov 19, 2007 9:44 pm

Hello,

My first post here although I've been lurking on this great forum for a while and read most of the related threads.

I'm one of those trying to change the career path from academia into industry (financial for now). Has been seriously looking for a quant position for about 3-4 months. Had two phone screenings with big investment banks, one I flanked, the other one went ok or so I thought. Also had several calls from different recruiters. Overall they didn't seem particularly interested which I can understand, but they also wouldn't provide any feedback whatsoever. So i decided to seek help/answers from people here.

Now, I know there are many threads like this and you guys are getting tired of answering the same questions again and again. I was thinking about PM'ing one of the NP inhouse HH's directly, but then decided it wouldn't be... cool? Yeah, definitely would not be cool that.

Basically my question is:

Is this a bad time to look for such a job because of the recent developments in the financial markets or is it just my resume/background that is particularly uninspiring?

I am looking for an entry level (duh!) position. 30 years old, just graduated with the Ph.D. in quantitative field (applied math/physics). I am looking mostly into quant (analyst/strategist/researcher) positions but also interested in structure and operation of financial markets from the organizational point of view so looking into business/system analyst type positions too. Had some experience analyzing business processes, work/document flow many moons ago while doing my master in MIPT... Had one interview for such position with a small start-up which is developing a web-based information system to serve financial institutions with their reporting needs, but at the end they decided they're looking for someone more experienced... Which is a bummer really because I wanted that position.

Anyway, the bottom line is - I am unsecure and worring type at the moment and desperately need some feedback. I would really appreciate any comments and maybe someone can take a look at my resume?

Thank you guys for your time.

Erg

gill · Post by **gill** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 5:00 pm

If i were you i would focus on a role in quant development/ quant risk management. How good is your C++? It's crucial for quant roles. It would not hurt to read intermidiate quant finance books like Hull/Rebonato to get familiar with some concepts.

I am not so sure that headhunters will be very helpful, but it does not hurt to talk to them... The timing is not very good as you mentioned but still some places will definitely be hiring early next year. Try to contact people directly although it might be quite frustrating process. Good Luck!

doobs · Post by **doobs** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 5:07 pm

You will probably benefit from Mark Joshi's website

http://www.markjoshi.com/

Babs · Post by **Babs** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 6:14 pm

Feel free to contact me directly - email is in my profile.

ergotic · Post by **ergotic** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 5:45 am

Thank you all for your replies.

I am familiar with Joshi's website and with his books too (have both of them, got through about half of each). Excellent texts.

Read several chapters from Hull too.

Not very good with C++. Basically my only experience with it comes from the first 5 chapters of Joshi's C++ Design Patterns.

Babs, thanks, I'll send you my resume on review.

sasquatch · Post by **sasquatch** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 4:14 am

If you don't mind, ping me as well. A few of my clients are on the prowl this time of year, too...

ergotic · Post by **ergotic** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 3:36 pm

Babs, sasquatch,

Just checking if you guys received my emails, or they ended up in your spam folders.

Babs · Post by **Babs** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:46 pm

I haven't seen it. Please resend and I will keep an eye out for it.

bert · Post by **bert** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 10:40 pm

Hi Erg,

I am in a very similar situation, and seem to be getting similar results. Academic mathematician, looking to switch. Started applying last fall. So far only one interview, which came about through a personal contact. That one may still pan out, but nothing else on the radar right now. HH tells me that things will pick up in January. Hope so!

Anyway, good luck to you. Let us know if you get something.

Bert

sasquatch · Post by **sasquatch** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 5:10 pm

I can't say I recall seeing it. Could you please re-send? Thanks.