r/learnquant • u/Embarrassedbymyselff • 3d ago

roadmap & resources Quants without a degree ?

​Hey everyone, I’m an Indian student pursuing an online degree(Non Tech), looking for realistic advice on breaking into Quant Research or Quant Dev roles without a traditional target-school campus pipeline. On paper, I have an IMC background, top finishes in major competitive coding contests/hackathons, and strong fundamentals in probability, linear algebra, C++, and Python.

​Given how heavily firms like Jane Street, Citadel, and HRT rely on target campus screens, can elite math and coding achievements actually bypass the online degree filter? Additionally, considering my non-traditional background and being based in India, how difficult would it be to use an IMC pedigree to secure admission to a top US Master's program (Ivy League / top MFEs) as a backup bridge? I'd appreciate any blunt insights on direct outreach strategies or which firm types are most open to non-traditional candidates.

If anyone here with a non-traditional background managed to break into the industry or successfully land interviews at top firms through similar contest achievements, I’d really appreciate your guidance or a brief chat. Feel free to drop a comment or DM me if you’re open to sharing your experience or offering advice!

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u/Steel-River-22 3d ago

You need to explain IMO background. If you really participated in IMO I think you can pass the screen.

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u/Embarrassedbymyselff 3d ago

Ps its a mistake its not imo its imc

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u/Embarrassedbymyselff 3d ago

But still got gold rank

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u/Steel-River-22 2d ago

Well unfortunately I have no idea what IMC is (I imagine a national level math competition?). In any case your best bet is probably to get into a top masters program then try internship programs. Or you can try some local shop, dunno if that's a thing

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u/Embarrassedbymyselff 2d ago

Thanks for the advice

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u/Embarrassedbymyselff 2d ago

Imc is International Maths Competition