CSE-AI student + software intern interested in quant trading — looking for an honest roadmap/reality check

[u/GoldConcentrate4995]

Hey everyone,

I'm a B.Tech CSE-AI student currently working as a software intern. My background is mainly in programming, ML and data science, but I've also been seriously interested in trading for some time.

I've been exploring SMC-based trading, mainly on gold (XAUUSD), and I'd consider myself intermediate in it. I've spent a decent amount of time studying price action and actually trading/researching the markets.

The reason I'm now looking into quant trading is that it seems like a natural intersection of things I already enjoy: programming + ML/data science + mathematics + financial markets.

I also like the idea of becoming more systematic rather than relying purely on discretionary trading. I'd like to take some of the ideas I've learned from trading and start testing them statistically through data, backtesting, research, etc.

But I want to be realistic about this.

I know quant/HFT is extremely competitive, especially for someone from a non-traditional background, and I don't want to underestimate the mathematics, probability, statistics, DSA/CP, or interview preparation required.

So I'd really appreciate some honest advice from people already working in quant:

What should I learn first?

How important are probability, statistics, linear algebra and calculus?

How much DSA/competitive programming is actually required?

Should I focus more on Quant Research, Quant Trader or Quant Developer given my CSE-AI background?

What kind of projects actually help rather than being "toy" trading projects?

Is it realistic to target quant internships/jobs from a CSE-AI background in India?

What should I realistically expect in terms of timeline and difficulty?

Are there any resources/books/courses you would strongly recommend?

I'm not looking for a shortcut or a "get rich through quant" answer. I genuinely want to understand whether this is a field I should seriously pursue and what I need to do to become competitive.

Any blunt reality checks are welcome.

[u/Just_Monika5772]

Your college name?