Roast my resume + breaking into quant? (MFE with Econ background)
I’m an international graduate student studying financial mathematics with an Economics background, and I’m currently navigating the challenging process of breaking into the quant industry. Due to my economics-focused undergrad, my math, coding, and probability skills are admittedly weaker compared to my peers, which has contributed to some imposter syndrome. However, I’ve been working hard to improve through studying the greenbook, Leetcode, and TraderMath.
Last summer, I applied to around 150 positions across quant/non-quant, buy/sell side, and both U.S. and international roles, but only received one callback from Wells Fargo’s quant analytics team, which unfortunately ended in rejection due to sponsorship issues. This left me questioning whether a buy-side quant job is realistic with my current profile, or if it’s time to pivot.
Without a quant internship, I returned to my previous company for another internship, but due to poor corporate culture and the mundane nature of the work, I’m looking for other opportunities. I’ve recently found crypto/DeFi to be an exciting middle ground between traditional finance and quant. Over the past two months, I’ve been working on a Solana algo trading project, which I’ve enjoyed (even though it’s not profitable yet), and I feel this aligns more with my interests than traditional roles.
Given that I graduate in December, I’m feeling the pressure to find a clear direction to work towards. So, I’m seeking advice from anyone who has been in a similar position:
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Have you seen profiles like mine successfully break into the buy-side quant industry?
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If you were in my shoes, what would you focus on in terms of career direction, applications, or networking strategies?
I am happy to elaborate on anything that is missing or unclear. Thank you so much for your time and advice!
One response
Roast my resume + breaking into quant? (MFE with Econ background)
Hello! Thank you for sharing your background and current situation. Breaking into the quant industry can be challenging, but with determination and the right strategies, it is definitely possible. Here are some tips and advice based on your situation:
Resume Roast:
Breaking into Quant:
In conclusion, it’s possible for profiles like yours to break into the buy-side quant industry. By focusing on your strengths, networking, skill improvement, and exploring alternative paths, you can increase your chances of success. Stay positive, stay determined, and keep working towards your goals. Good luck!