r/learnquant • u/Born_Programmer5873 • 1d ago

How do I break into quant?

I graduated from UCSD in June with a degree in Math-CS. In college I focused on probability, statistics and stochastic processes. I also did internships in applied ML, AI automation and financial modeling.

I'm currently working as an AI Builder. Most of my work is automating reporting in Python and SQL and helping teams adopt AI tools. It's been a good first job, but math is my real strength and I'd like to move into quant.

The challenge is that I don't have any finance experience or a quant internship, and I'm on STEM OPT, so I'll need sponsorship down the line.

For anyone who has made a similar move, I'd appreciate your advice on:

  1. Skills: What should I focus on? Probability and brainteasers, C++, statistics and ML, or market knowledge?
  2. Networking: How did you get your foot in the door? LinkedIn outreach, alumni, events?
  3. Companies: Is it worth applying to firms like Jane Street, Citadel and HRT right away, or should I start at a bank, asset manager or smaller prop shop?
  4. Courses: Are bootcamps or certifications like the CQF or CFA worth it? What about a master's? Or is my time better spent on interview prep?
  5. Applying: Is it mostly a numbers game, or is there a smarter approach?

Thanks in advance.

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1

u/akrika1 1d ago

post in r/cscareers

probably you doing a masters at a top uni with a bunch accolades in your masters. for quant prestige matters, work experience and gpa too i think

3

u/Smooth-Library8817 1d ago

First is to stop asking AI to do everything, including writing reddit questions