Chances of me being a quant?

[ConnorDrax]

I’ll be graduating soon with degrees in both computer science and physics. I have an interest in working at hedge funds, but there are a few things. I go to a state university instead of a university like Harvard, Wharton, or Stanford, I don’t have a finance background, and I don’t have as many connections when it comes to the finance world. Generally asking what are my chances of going into hedge funds as a quant?

 

[Ken Abbott]

Why do you want to be a quant? Why hedge funds? When I interview people, I look for evidence of an interest in finance beyond the desire to make money. There are many, many people from state schools and LACs who are successful quants, but they all have good stories. What is yours?

 

[ConnorDrax]

Why do you want to be a quant? Why hedge funds? When I interview people, I look for evidence of an interest in finance beyond the desire to make money. There are many, many people from state schools and LACs who are successful quants, but they all have good stories. What is yours?

Honestly it's the personal challenge. I believe I can bring something to the table even though I'm not a Harvard, Stanford, or Yale grad. Also I've always had an interest in the stock market and I feel becoming a quant is a good opportunity for me to learn it better. Besides that I currently have a GPA of 3.97 and I haven't done any finance internships. Just came here wondering if being a quant is still possible for me.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

It would help you a great deal if you spend sometimes reading about the industry and what each role entails so you can better answer during interview like what Ken asked. A lack of industry research is one of the biggest downfalls for new entrees to the field.
You can get much of what you need you know from this list. These are the classics.
Master reading list for Quants, MFE (Financial Engineering) students

 

[ConnorDrax]

Generally speaking I heard that the desire for working at finance firms/hedge funds have been decreasing the past few years. IS this true?

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Finance is not the only career option for ambitious young men and women these days. Tech and other industries have huge draw. Volcker has been major factor where regulation has been emphasized more but with the rule repeal, the days of exotic derivatives products may come back.
We'll see.

 

[ConnorDrax]

Is it true that I need a PhD or Can I get a MFE?