New Quantnet members say hi

[doug reich]

Doug, If the MFE is the wrong route, what grad degree would you suggest? I've basically decided against the MAcc because although accounting is important, I think I'd be better off in an MBA since I want to focus on the finance side of things. I am interested in technical analysis in addition to the fundamentals, but I don't want to go into trading. I talked to the admissions director for the business programs at Kent State and she said that most students were placed in Chicago or New York as traders. I am not at all interested in going into trading. I would much much rather work for regional banks (if any are independent by the time I graduate) and analyze stocks, industries, commodities, etc. on both a fundamental and technical basis. I could see where mathematical models could be employed, but I think you're right in that the MFE may not be the way to go. So, could you offer some suggestions as to what might be a better option for my situation? Thanks, Cody.

Best answer: I don't know the right answer, but I know the wrong one when I see it. :)

Uninformed opinion: MBA or Accountancy. The way to decide is to find some people doing what you want and talk to them.

[meglio]

First off, thank you Doug and Sanket.

The CFA is definitely what I'd like to do. Supposedly, Ohio University's Masters in Financial Econ program is "is built upon the Candidate Body of Knowledge (http://www.cfainstitute.org/cfaprog/courseofstudy/topic.html), or CBOK™ of the CFA® Program (http://www.cfainstitute.org/cfaprog/), which is closely tied to up-to-date professional practices in investment management," but I see several Quant and related classes in the cirriculum, which is available here (http://www.ohiou.edu/economics/g_fi_curric.html).

I know I don't want to go into accountancy on a full-time basis unless I can't find a job in finance. I don't hate it, but it is just too boring as far as I am concerned. So, a MAcc or MSA or MPA or MTax is of little interest to me unless it would make me more marketable as a finance applicant. I tend to think, from what I am hearing, that an MBA with a concentration in finance is my best best. I still have a couple years to decide (since I won't graduate until 2011), but I'd like to get a solid but flexible plan ASAP. If anyone else would like to weigh in, I'd really appreciate it. In the mean time, I'll try to get in touch with some more CFAs (outside of my undergrad finance professor) to see what they'd prefer in a candidate.

Thanks again,
--Cody

[rahulprakash]

Hello to all
Got lot of feedback by just going through posts. Applying for fall 2009 MFin/MFE program. I have undergrad in physics and masters in comp. sc. Working as software engineer from last 2+ years.

Thanks.

[Stefan Zota]

First off, thank you Doug and Sanket.

The CFA is definitely what I'd like to do. Supposedly, Ohio University's Masters in Financial Econ program is "is built upon the Candidate Body of Knowledge (http://www.cfainstitute.org/cfaprog/courseofstudy/topic.html), or CBOK™ of the CFA® Program (http://www.cfainstitute.org/cfaprog/), which is closely tied to up-to-date professional practices in investment management," but I see several Quant and related classes in the cirriculum, which is available here (http://www.ohiou.edu/economics/g_fi_curric.html).

I know I don't want to go into accountancy on a full-time basis unless I can't find a job in finance. I don't hate it, but it is just too boring as far as I am concerned. So, a MAcc or MSA or MPA or MTax is of little interest to me unless it would make me more marketable as a finance applicant. I tend to think, from what I am hearing, that an MBA with a concentration in finance is my best best. I still have a couple years to decide (since I won't graduate until 2011), but I'd like to get a solid but flexible plan ASAP. If anyone else would like to weigh in, I'd really appreciate it. In the mean time, I'll try to get in touch with some more CFAs (outside of my undergrad finance professor) to see what they'd prefer in a candidate.

Thanks again,
--Cody


From information you have provided here, MBA or a PhD in finance is more suitable.
MFE is not directly related to fundamental analysis. If you feel it is interesting to price CDS or exotic options for example then this would be in the realm of financial engineering.

Also the goal to work in trading is too general. Trading areas are very different in skills, one thing is to work in a flow desk vs prop desk vs algorithmic development/trading etc.

[devash]

hi everyone

I AM A FIRST YEAR STUDENT OF BACHELOR OF BUSINESS STUDIES FROM DELHI UNIVERSITY(INDIA).I HAVE STARTED MY PREPRATION FOR FRM AND PLAN TO START CFA IN MY FINAL YEAR.I AM EXTREMLY INTERESTED IN HEDGE FUNDS AND EQUITY .I WANT TO KNOW TO KNOW IF MFE OR COMPUTATIONAL FINANCE IS MY CUP OF TEA...AND IF CFA IS ENOUGH TO GET YOU PLACED IN A HEDGE FUND....
THANK YOU

[Ronaldo]

Hello,
my name is Ronaldo, nowadays I am an FX and Interest rates trader in Brazil.

[JohnSuh]

Hello from Sunny Southern California!

Currently working in Fixed Income Asset managent firm and looking for a MFE program to further my career.
Quantnet is by far the most infomative quant site I ever came across.

Andy, thank you for your dedication to help the newbies!

[mouna]

hy quantnet community, i'm glad to be a member from your community. i hope to learn something from here

[Dionisis]

Hi,
My name is Dionisis and I have attended the last Baruch information session on 17/9/2008, and they have told us about this forum then. Now that i'm back at my country i joined to see what is going on here and maybe ask some questions.

Also i would like to thank all the professors and the students of Baruch that presented this information session and answered our questions.

[freeliu]

Hello from freeliu !

Currently working in equity and their derivate field and looking for a MFE program to further my career.
Quantnet is by far the most infomative quant site I ever came across.

Andy, thank you for your dedication to help the newbies!

[Edward Hoffman]

I am a quant algo trader, working in NYC.

[cherie]

Hi, I'm a PhD Chemical Engineering student, and I hope to learn a lot from this community.

[Stats CZ]

Hi everyone! Just found out I can actually introduce myself in this way. :) Glad such a forum exists and I've already learned really cool stuff just by browsing through the posted threads!

[gbrozak]

Just wanted to introduce myself. I am a quantitative risk analyst, formerly of Bear Stearns.

[saurabhjecrc]

I gave GRE and got a score of 1330 and have done my B.E. in Information Technology with 75% aggregate.
I will be having 3 years of work-experience by the time I will be applying for the course.

I was thinking of applying for MFE course in certain descent universities.
Also the Tuition Fee, Job prospectus and Financial Aid are the foremost factors in applying for the same.

Please help me in this regard.

Thanks,
Saurabh Agrawal
Infosys-Pune(INDIA)

[doug reich]

Please take some time to look at the threads for candidates similar to you. See the FAQ in my signature.

[nywhat]

I hope to learn a lot at this forums.

[Xia Huang]

Hi, I am Xia Huang and I am an undergraduate. I am very glad to join this community.

[Dave Haan]

Yet another currently former quantitative risk analyst, previously former modeller (pre-MFE days; APL/A+/K) ...

[miloyong]

Hello, everyone! Glad to meet you here!

[Kent]

Hey Everyone!

I Just found this forum and I'm happy I did :) Been hopping around a few, but this one by far seems to have it together!

I'm an undergrad at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA. My major is General Engineering ( General? I know... It allows me to pick and choose from all the engineering focuses, the coolest if you ask me :) ) My focus is CompSci and Finance.

No idea which MFE program I'd like to shoot for yet...


I do all sorts of stuff.. Robotics, Web Development, Startups, Dreaming! but Overall I love Computers/Coding and Finance/Economics and I like creating strategies that prove I'm right :D

Look forward to Talking with you All!

P.S. Anything wrong with being on the other side of the country? I would very much love to be in NY, but I grew up in LA and gotta surf for a few more years....

Kent

[miniwolfy]

Hello, I'm Daniel from HKUST! Glad to meet so many friends here! It's a good place for communication on techinical problems. In fact, it's from here that I learnt how to use the QuantLib. Thank you all!

[Stefan Zota]

P.S. Anything wrong with being on the other side of the country? I would very much love to be in NY, but I grew up in LA and gotta surf for a few more years....
Kent

There are a few good programs on West Coast (e.g. Berkeley).
Also San Francisco offers good oportunities as a financial center ...

[Kent]

I've been asking around about Stanford and Berkeley's program.. But I would like to venture to the east coast anyways. I've got plenty of time to shop around though, I'm still an undergrad. And Speaking of being young, can anyone suggest the right road for internships starting now? Are FE jobs looking for tons of experience in the big names or rather a collection of different practices? I know I'll have to do my time in some I bank before applying for an MFE program, but what should I shoot for now concerning short term internships?

Thanks

[Andy]

It's nice to see many new members stop by to say hi. Everyone has something to learn and share so I hope to benefit from many newcomers.

[janix]

hello everyone.
i'm janix and work for bank as model validation quant.
please help me to solve the problem, if i leave a message.
and if you need any help, just send me a message
thank you all!

[Syed Naeemul Ahsan]

Hey everyone, Syed here from Auckland, New Zealand! Just finished my 3rd undergrad year in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, hoping to learn about the path to the quant. However engineering's not my thing, I actually want to use the programming and maths from the degree to go into finance. Heavily influenced by my father, Master in Economics holder who was an investment banker.

I look forward to talking to headhunters and current MFE students to get a taste of what is sought in candidates and what the quant lifestyle is.

[Stefan Zota]

I've been asking around about Stanford and Berkeley's program.. But I would like to venture to the east coast anyways. I've got plenty of time to shop around though, I'm still an undergrad. And Speaking of being young, can anyone suggest the right road for internships starting now? Are FE jobs looking for tons of experience in the big names or rather a collection of different practices? I know I'll have to do my time in some I bank before applying for an MFE program, but what should I shoot for now concerning short term internships?

Thanks

Work experience is just one part of your application.
First and foremost you need to take all advanced math courses and get high grades. Calculus, Linear Algebra and Probability are especially important. You need to have an inclination for Math.
Next you need to have a good programming foundation (it seems you already have a good start).

Next, I would advise to read some introductory books in quant finance. You can find examples on this forum (dedicated thread (http://www.quantnet.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1336)). Even if you don't understand in detail all concepts, it is still valuable.

In the end, all these directions will confirm if this is a career for you.

[Kent]

Thank you Stefan for your advise :)

[arielnk]

Hi to everyone, I am a software developer and currently taking MSCF. I look forward to sharing and learn more about the trade from this exciting group...

Ariel Kalingking

[joshy philip elias]

hi there...........im new to all this .......im a bit scared too........im doin my undergraduation in electronics n commmunication engg. i plan to join for ms in FE. i finish my bachelor degree by june 2008. i wish to join by fall 2010. Im good in maths n my grades in maths have always been high . i hav no experiance and my knowledge in finance is soo little. sumone pleese help me out n suggest wat i shud do.let me know wat all courses i shud take b4 i join for ms in FE.im really interstd in the stock market and im gud in maths so i feel i hav a chance in this field..........so sumone plees help me out

[Excel Net]

Hello everyone,

I am a quant developer thinking about may be sometimes eventually becaming an quant analyst
(wishfull thinking - but who knows).

My primary area expertise is around .NET,C# and Excel, VBA development, for the last years in front office environment supporting quants and traders in their every day battle with math and markets.

It looks like this forum has a great sense of community and I hope I will become part of it.

Thank you.

[Andy]

Nice work. We actually welcome your contribution to Quantnet community whose daily job involves a good amount of Excel/vba/.NET
I was thinking of doing something more or less similar Trading models: from Excel/VBA to C++/C# - Quantnet.org - Financial Engineering Forum (http://www.quantnet.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3249)

[mkdureja]

Hi,
I am Manoj Dureja from India. I am an MFE aspirant. I heard of MFE only a week ago and after browsing through the net for some days, I found this community. I am feeling glad to join this community.
I am undergrad in Mechanical Engineering, presently working as engineer in a steel industry for last 1.5 yrs and I am going to join another company, a trading firm, as a derivatives trader.
I have interest in computer programming, puzzle solving, etc.
Right now I am a bit confused about doing MFE, first I need to know more about the course before I take a firm decision and thats why I joined here.
I am eager to seek help from you guys.

[nitin]

I am Nitin from India and I obtained a Masters degree in Economics and dual with Bachelors in Computer Science.. I am a BITS-pilani alumnus, (one of the finest colleges for engineering in India)

I am looking forward to do my pursue a career which helps me use the concepts from both of the disciplines i passed out with.. I find Masters in Financial Engineering to be the most apt prog.. I am thankful to quantnet for the forum and the wonderful contributors..

I have gone through Mr.Mark Joshi's documents on MFE and the careers we get to pursue after that.. Honestly i find it interested and scary at the same time.. but i hope to learn more about through this forum..

@Andy
I am applying for FALL - 2009. I have one year experience as a research associate in a business and investment research firm and also one year experience as research programmer at INSEAD Business school. But i have a low gpa .. but will this experience give me edge over other candidates in any way.. I am sorry to ask this question despite you telling people not to.. but i would appreciate if anyone could.. Many thanks!