The industry of quantitative finance is a great fit for a person with excellent mathematics, computer programming and finance skills. Quantitative, or ‘quant’, analysts use their skills to create databases, write computer programs, and analyze data – with the objective of helping a company make sound financial decisions in areas such as risk assessment, trading, wealth management, banking, and portfolio management.
Quant analysts are usually employed by a variety of different companies in the finance industry, such as banks, investment firms/banks, hedge funds, and financial planning businesses. Because of the popularity and flexibility of quantitative finance, there are several kinds of companies that hire quant analysts. If you are attracted to the field of quantitative finance, there are a variety of different roles you can take in a wide range of businesses.
If you are already in the field of quantitative finance, this article will show you how to refine your quantitative finance skills and show employers that you are ready to advance your career.
Research and Self-Learning
It can be difficult to advance purely by self-teaching, so if you have an entry-level role in the finance industry, it can be easier to advance your career by self-learning and showing your employers your skills that you’ve taught yourself. Obviously, this method is not the fastest, but it is a good way to advance your quant finance career or get it started if you aren’t on the ladder yet.
Another way to stay up to date with current trends in quant finance is to keep up to date with blogs and articles about new technologies and methods within the world of quantitative finance.
University Education
Another way of advancing your career in quant finance is through higher education, such as a university degree. Qualifications in subjects such as economics, maths, finance, and computer programming are all valuable when searching for a role in quant finance, especially if they are higher degrees such as PHDs. Though, university degrees are not necessarily the best ways into a quant finance job, as businesses often look for applicants with lots of work experience and specific quantitative finance qualifications in this field.
Professional Qualifications
One of the best ways to advance your career in quantitative finance is to take an expert-level qualification in finance or quantitative finance. Usually, employers look for certain certifications that prove that you are a highly qualified quant analyst. These courses are often the best way to advance your career in a quantitative finance role.
One of the top quant finance programmes is the Certificate of Quantitative Finance (CQF). The CQF was created for people wanting to take the next step in their professional career, and because of this it is designed to be flexible – allowing you to complete the course in the pace you feel comfortable with. As well as this, it is taught by leading quants.
It teaches techniques used by quants in the real world and is highly recognised by employers internationally.
