- #1
hatelove
- 101
- 1
I'm still debating my paths of
1) a B. S. in Applied Mathematics with a minor in something computer related (heavily programming-focused, but I don't think I can take something like software engineering as a minor and I don't think I can handle a double major of mathematics and engineering simultaneously) and a Master's in Financial Engineering
in comparison to
2) a B. S. in Applied Mathematics and then going on to a PhD in Applied Mathematics as well, and I'm not sure minors are too relevant when going down this long road.
If I have any misconceptions, please correct them so I can more feasibly choose my direction (or make it even more difficult), or feel free to add to the list:
1)
Pros:
a) Compressing all 3 of my required fields: math, programming, and finance
b) Getting my foot in the career door more quickly
Cons:
a) Limited opportunities (say if I want to perform research on statistical arbitrage algorithms for black-box trading, I don't think I can without the credentials of a PhD)
b) Possibly lower salary potential
2)
Pros:
a) Higher earning potential
b) The programming/finance related education nor experience isn't there, but having a PhD may tell employers that I have the drive and dedication to learn these subjects rather quickly; plus I'll probably be doing plenty of programming not only in my free time, but as I'm working on my PhD in mathematics as well, and maybe working with computational mathematicians too
c) Title of Dr. (as lame and vain as this may sound, I think this has a social advantage just by having the title of "Dr." in that you may be able to win over the favor/respect of others)
Cons:
a) Takes much longer
b) No programming/finance education/experience
I'm unsure of what I want past my education and initial job, but I have vague visions of starting my own company and seeing how far I can go. Again I'm not certain of this yet, but if I do then it'd be nice to have a larger start up capital and I don't know if one of these paths will suit/prepare me better for this.
1) a B. S. in Applied Mathematics with a minor in something computer related (heavily programming-focused, but I don't think I can take something like software engineering as a minor and I don't think I can handle a double major of mathematics and engineering simultaneously) and a Master's in Financial Engineering
in comparison to
2) a B. S. in Applied Mathematics and then going on to a PhD in Applied Mathematics as well, and I'm not sure minors are too relevant when going down this long road.
If I have any misconceptions, please correct them so I can more feasibly choose my direction (or make it even more difficult), or feel free to add to the list:
1)
Pros:
a) Compressing all 3 of my required fields: math, programming, and finance
b) Getting my foot in the career door more quickly
Cons:
a) Limited opportunities (say if I want to perform research on statistical arbitrage algorithms for black-box trading, I don't think I can without the credentials of a PhD)
b) Possibly lower salary potential
2)
Pros:
a) Higher earning potential
b) The programming/finance related education nor experience isn't there, but having a PhD may tell employers that I have the drive and dedication to learn these subjects rather quickly; plus I'll probably be doing plenty of programming not only in my free time, but as I'm working on my PhD in mathematics as well, and maybe working with computational mathematicians too
c) Title of Dr. (as lame and vain as this may sound, I think this has a social advantage just by having the title of "Dr." in that you may be able to win over the favor/respect of others)
Cons:
a) Takes much longer
b) No programming/finance education/experience
I'm unsure of what I want past my education and initial job, but I have vague visions of starting my own company and seeing how far I can go. Again I'm not certain of this yet, but if I do then it'd be nice to have a larger start up capital and I don't know if one of these paths will suit/prepare me better for this.