Too late to become a quant? (long)

[Philto]

Right now I'm enrolled in the 3. year of a Bsc in Finance programme but start to get the feeling that my quantitve interests aren't completely fulfilled by the programme.

I'm thinking about enrolling for a Msc in Financial Engineering/Quantitive Finance but am not quite sure in which way my academic background will prove problematic a) for further studies b) a job in the quant business.



to a)

Due to my courseload I couldn't really further my mathematical background as I had planned, meaning (coming from switzerland, i.e. we had calculus exposure in school) I'm limited to:

-2 semesters in analysis (having had exposure to fourier transformations, Itos Lemma and Kuhn Tucker)

-2 semesters in linear algebra

-1 Introduction to probability theory, we worked with this book:

http://www.amazon.de/Fundamental-Probability-Computational-Approach-Paolella/dp/0470025948

-1 course each in linear, non linear, stochastic and parametric optimization

- 1 course in Statistics, 1 in Econometrics and 2 small applied Econometrics courses at an introductory level

-average knowledge of c++ and Mat lab



Since my time is limited I try to fill the mathematical gaps and read as much as possible but I still have my doubts that it is enough to apply for a quant master.

So my question is: Is it even resonable to apply for such a grad programme (with regards to mathematics) with my finance background?

Any suggestions how I should utilize my remaining time (i.e. read any special books, brush up on certain topics)?



Furthermore I ask myself if it is even feasible to pursue a quant career with a finance and not a mathematical background which brings me to b).

I've heard from many people that when you didn't have at least a background (Bsc) in maths, physics, etc. you will have problems later on finding a job in the sector. Is this true or can I still make up with a Master and Phd in quant. Finance?



Aside from that: Given that I'm not proficient enough for a msc in quant finance, what are my chances with a Phd in regular finance when it comes to jobs involving computational finance or quant jobs in general? Am I out fromt the beginning or do I still have a chance in this sector? (when the finance phd covers quant. methods on a level like this one:http://www.phd-finance.unizh.ch/Courses/courses0708.html)



Thanks in advance



Edit: On a side note, what do you think about this program?

It even offers a conversion your for non math backgrounds

http://maths.york.ac.uk/www/MscfinStructure_full_time

http://maths.york.ac.uk/www/MscfinMscmathfin_ConvYear



Edit2: Or is starting over again with a Math BSc the best approach? I'm twenty right now, over here it is more or less common to start studying for the first time in this age.

[diogenes]

While I am not an admission committee etc, it seems you would be fine for an MS program. I would not expect to have deep and original insight into the material, but that is not what an MS is about anyway.