Transitioning from Quant Analyst to Quant Developer - is an IT role a good step?

[te_jaey]

Hi all,

I’m currently working as a quant analyst at a commodities firm, and I’m discussing a potential move to a more IT-focused position that involves database management and automation. I’ve been handling some of these tasks in my current role and have enjoyed it, but my ultimate goal is to become a quant developer, focusing more on the computational side, particularly databases and execution.

Given that the new position would mainly involve IT systems and infrastructure (though I’d still work closely with traders and analysts in our small team), would this be a good step towards eventually transitioning to a quant developer role?

For context, I have a degree in mathematics from a top 20 global university and currently work at a large firm (think Exxon/Shell).

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Andy Nguyen]

As long as the new role give you opportunities to increase responsibility and skill set, it is a good move toward the quant dev role.
Quant dev will require skills in various aspects, many involving IT tasks such as database, cloud servers, UI.

 

[achirikhin]

Hi all,

I’m currently working as a quant analyst at a commodities firm, and I’m discussing a potential move to a more IT-focused position that involves database management and automation. I’ve been handling some of these tasks in my current role and have enjoyed it, but my ultimate goal is to become a quant developer, focusing more on the computational side, particularly databases and execution.

Given that the new position would mainly involve IT systems and infrastructure (though I’d still work closely with traders and analysts in our small team), would this be a good step towards eventually transitioning to a quant developer role?

For context, I have a degree in mathematics from a top 20 global university and currently work at a large firm (think Exxon/Shell).

Any advice would be appreciated!

No. Never switch to IT you describe. Quants and QDs don't deal with DBs at all. While "automation" may mean part of the quant devops, this is only nominally a QA/QD job. You will not be developing any thing really quanty (pure SQL reports don't qualify).

Try to get a job as a commodities desk QD on the sell side. They may value your business knowledge (but not DBs)

www.qaprofession.com