Dev to Quant (Dev) Transition

Sep 17, 2020 34 Comments

I unfortunately have little interest in pure dev work. However, I am very interested in using tech as a tool to solve modeling / analytical problems, given that I am at least somewhat exposed to the math. I imagine that quant (dev) or maybe data science is a more suitable role.

For those who have made the dev to quant (dev) switch, was it what you expected? Are you happier as a quant? Is the work more stimulating/fulfilling? Any tips on how to make this transition? I have a BS in applied math, so I believe that becoming a quant researcher is out of the question unless I go back to school.

Alternative, for those who went from dev to something more like data science, how was your experience? Do you use math somewhat regularly? Any tips on making the switch?

Thank you.

#quant #datascience #finance

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TOP 34 Comments
  • Quant dev is definitely more interesting and I enjoy it a lot more.
    Sep 19, 2020 1
  • I can share my experience : I was in quite a similar situation and had similar interests. I moved from a tech team to a relevant strats team.
    I find it more fulfilling and challenging.I had observed that most ML roles atleast at sell side may not be actually applying math or finance. Rather NLP, Data processing and analysis.
    To get in to such quant dev type roles, I needed to prepare probability, stochastic calculus. Ofcourse coding is still going to be a large part of the job. If one wants to work on pure finance and math stuff.. desk strats would be a good fit.
    Dm me for more info..
    Sep 19, 2020 9
  • M&T Bank / IT
    nzfX62

    Go to company page M&T Bank IT

    nzfX62
    That's unfortunate, I wish more devs I worked with were like you, more interested in solving problems than writing code.
    Sep 19, 2020 3
  • AIG / Strategy
    disinfect

    Go to company page AIG Strategy

    PRE
    Deloitte Digital
    BIO
    Counseling CxOs for AI-first strategy !
    disinfect
    Quant dev in which field?

    Actuaries are the age-old original quants from over a century.

    Dynamic pricing quant devs at Amazon have amazing problems to solve as well. Some of them make more than Citadel et al.

    If you're attracted to capital markets only, quant dev may / may not work for you. The search for alpha may force PMs to make you work on problems which are not of your liking.

    So define what type of problems you like to solve, then
    1. create GitHub repos with sample code
    2. Write substack about your code
    3. get interview-ready for standard quant dev roles.
    4. cold call PMs.
    5. Apply top cos at one go.
    Oct 4, 2020 0
  • We have quite a few quantitative software engineering roles open right now. Would apply directly if you are interested in making the move.
    Sep 19, 2020 5