Career advice on algorithmic trading

[bizso]

I'm a computer science graduate and I'm quite interested in Algorithmic Trading. So far, I've been developing web applications and Android apps as a software engineer. That means I'm an expert Java programmer.

I was thinking about doing a PhD in social media sentiment tracking as a natural language processing research associate. I was also thinking about learning digital signal processing, neuro networks and genetic algorithms.

If I do my PhD in social media sentiment tracking, will I be able to work as a quant for an algorithmic trading firm? Or should I do research in some other area? Generally, what courses should I take and what skills should I acquire so that I can work in this field?

 

[Connor]

Only if the firm is or wants to use social media sentiment tracking. I think its too specific because it narrows down your target firms and while social media may be hot now, it won't necessarily always be.

 

[Simon Thornington]

I would think you'd want to do a doctorate in Mathematics or perhaps Physics? Or of course, do your MFE.

 

[JesseLevermore]

Computer science with specialization in data mining/ machine learning.

 

[lobomattu]

Since we're on topic, could anyone give me names of some trading firm that are known for algo trading?

 

[Andy Nguyen]

I was thinking about doing a PhD in social media sentiment tracking as a natural language processing research associate. I was also thinking about learning digital signal processing, neuro networks and genetic algorithms.

I would suspect that if you want to do a PhD on a particular subject, you may want to read everything you can about that topic first. For example, take a look at how financial firms are using social media as input data and read as many research paper on this area as possible.
Here is a good place to start http://quant.stackexchange.com/questions/2311/algorithmic-trading-based-on-social-media

Though I would caution that by the time you finish with your PhD, social media and/or algo trading may become a thing of the past. Trendy things don't last long.

 

[bizso]

Some Algo trading firms http://www.derwentcapitalmarkets.com/, https://www.renfund.com/vm/index.vm

Andy thanks that's a good link, actually I asked that question . I know that algo trading on social media is a trendy thing now, but question, is it going to remain a part of algo trading from now on? I don't see social media sites, or internet discussions going away any time soon.