Careers in Finance: Physics vs Business Majors

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Firms often prefer hiring physics majors for roles in finance, particularly in quantitative analysis, due to their strong mathematical skills, which are sometimes perceived as lacking in business majors. While physics graduates are common in quantitative roles, other finance positions, such as actuaries, may also require similar analytical capabilities. In a trading environment, it's noted that many employees hold advanced degrees in physics, mathematics, or engineering, alongside experienced programmers with master's degrees, highlighting the importance of technical expertise in these finance sectors.
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I've heard that firms tend to hire physics majors because business majors can't do the necessary math. Whats the difference? Sorry I'm a noob.
 
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Most often when people discuss physics and finance they're referring to quantitative analysts.

There are lots of areas of finance though, and a few other jobs may qualify - actuary, for instance.
 
XxsithlordxX said:
I've heard that firms tend to hire physics majors because business majors can't do the necessary math. Whats the difference? Sorry I'm a noob.

For some jobs that's true. I work near a trading floor, and the section of the firm that I work has about half Ph.D.'s (physics, math, engineering) and the other half experienced computer programmers with masters degrees.
 

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