Sage-Tips

Can you be a quant with a PhD in economics?

Yes, absolutely, and I’ve worked with several successful ones. There are many different roles suitable for economists though. A phd with someone like Cochrane would be good training in the pricing/arbitrage math traditional for quant roles.

Can I become a quantitative analyst with an economics degree?

Yes, of course you can. Many quants have backgrounds in mathematical sciences such as Physics, as well as basic (and in some cases, advanced!)

Is a PhD good for investment banking?

The key for PhDs who want to work in investment banking is therefore to broaden their skills beyond narrow research topics to include a broad range of computing, analytics and finance. Some of the best PhDs, however, often look to strike out on their own by starting their own hedge funds.

What education do you need to be a quantitative analyst?

Educational Qualifications. A long-term career as a quantitative analyst generally requires a graduate degree in a quantitative field such as finance, economics, mathematics or statistics.

Is a PhD in Economics/Finance worth it for quant work?

Economics/Finance – Economics and Finance PhDs do not always teach you the mathematical maturity necessary for pure quant work, but it really depends on the project. You will need to be honest with yourself about where you lie on the mathematical spectrum.

What is the career path for a quantitative financial analyst?

Career Path. Some quantitative financial analysts begin working in entry-level roles as research analysts after completing a bachelor’s degree in a field that provides practical quantitative skills, such as statistics, finance or economics. However, these positions do not typically lead to long-term, permanent careers in the field.

Should I go back to school for a quantitative finance degree?

If you have a PhD in a non-quantitative field and your background is not sufficiently mathematical, then you should definitely consider that you will likely need to return to school if you truly want to work in quantitative finance.