A better quant - theoretical particle or condensed matter physicist?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on whether theoretical particle physicists or condensed matter physicists make better quants in finance. Participants note that a statistician is generally considered a better fit due to their expertise in quantitative analysis and probability. The conversation highlights the importance of personal experience and exposure to quantitative methods in determining effectiveness as a quant. Some argue that the skills from statistical mechanics and complex systems are particularly relevant, while others question the inherent qualities of particle physicists that might contribute to success in quantitative roles. Overall, the consensus leans towards statisticians and statistical physicists being more suitable for quant positions due to their specialized knowledge and skills.
Nusc
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Who makes the better quant, a theoretical particle physicist or a theoretical condensed matter physicist and why?
 
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A statistician will make a better quant anyday I'd guess.
 
Nusc said:
Who makes the better quant, a theoretical particle physicist or a theoretical condensed matter physicist and why?
I think it depends upon the person and personal experience. Some folks have a knack for quatitative analysis, and some have more exposure/experience depending on academic and professional work.
 
I think that you are talking about quantitative analysis in finance/economics, so I have read a lot and I think that statistical mechanics and complex systems are very useful.

Maybe I am wrong and you are talking about other kind of quantitative analysis.
 
Sorry the thread has bounced around a bit here. I've just moved it back to A&CG. Nusc, as a future suggestion to avoid things like this, please avoid slang and jargon when introducing a topic. This thread got bounced around today because it was unclear what you were asking about until someone else familiar with the slang helped spell out the terms "quantitative analysis." I'm posting this comment publicly instead of in PM, because it's worthwhile for all of our members to be aware of the confusion caused by using jargon, especially if your target audience is broad enough not to necessarily share that same set of jargon with you.
 
pivoxa15 said:
A statistician will make a better quant anyday I'd guess.
Precious.
 
Statistical Physicist who know probability and manipulation of large database. Also knowledge of PDE is essential in the field.
 
Can someone explain to me what qualities a theoretical particle physicist has that makes them good quants as opposed to a statistical physicist?
 
Nusc said:
Can someone explain to me what qualities a theoretical particle physicist has that makes them good quants as opposed to a statistical physicist?

Could it be that it is harder to publish in TPP so the people on average in it are 'smarter' and so would also make better quants but apart from that I can't see any other reason.
 
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Nusc said:
Can someone explain to me what qualities a theoretical particle physicist has that makes them good quants as opposed to a statistical physicist?
If one actually study the work in stochastic calculus. One can see the formalism is really originate from quantom physics (i.e the use of anhiliator operater and etc). Also financial market does somewhat follow the uncertainty principle which is the basis of modern physics.
The only thing for financial market is that it doesn't have a set of axiom like modern maths and physics. i.e. most of the work are based on non-arbitrage assumption which is not true in real market. If i am a recruiter I think statistical physicist (PhD of course) is a better choise any other background because quant has a lot more to do than just do the maths.
 
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