Switch from IT/Quant

themonsoonkid · Post by **themonsoonkid** » Mon Nov 05, 2012 6:26 pm

I am undergraduate in Computer Science and working in a reputed IT company for last 2 years. I love programming. And i want to do my masters. I have developed a keen interest in Finance in last one year, it fascinates me to know about all the financial products and practices. And it sure is a better job than designing another "REVOLUTIONARY social media website/ online shopping store/Angry birds".

I want to be a quant programmer. I have started preparing for it, but now i have found out, that it requires very good mathematical skills. I am very mediocre when it comes to Calculus. And top MFE programs won't take anyone without exceptional maths skills.

Should i opt for MS in computer science or MS in financial engineering ?

Thanks.

themonsoonkid · Post by **themonsoonkid** » Tue Nov 13, 2012 7:53 am

Anyone who can help, please ?

HankScorpio · Post by **HankScorpio** » Tue Nov 13, 2012 10:59 am

Do you have a basic grounding in finance? Read BKM (Bodie Kane and Marcus). You should buy the answer book to the problems, go through the text and do the problems. Beef up on anything you do not understand. The interweb is wonderful thing.

Then get Kerry Back's book on Derivative Securities. Yeah, I know, VBA code, but stiff shit. Go through it, understand it, write some code.

Then, check out Mark Joshi's book(s) and website. Lots of useful info on beefing up your maths, stats, stoch procs, etc.

Also, get Hull and the answer booklet, and work though it like a mofo.

Seriously, draw a line in the sand, make a start, set yourself some goals and push yourself. Go for it!

Good luck.

[edit]And let us not forget this great site. You'll find many a great post by uber smart dudes. Learn to use the search functionality which might appear rather cryptic at first.[/edit]

sv507 · Post by **sv507** » Tue Nov 13, 2012 11:49 am

you cannot be a quant programmer if you are no good at maths....that's the whole point - its like saying i want to be a database programmer but I don't understand databases.

there is plenty of IT work in finance without being a quant....and your experience in a reputed IT company will be worth more than any MS. so just apply to some headhunter...