- #1
discrete*
- 79
- 1
I like to keep my options open. I'm doing a combined BA/MA in mathematics right now, and hope to go on to get a PhD. That being said, I think a lot about how I will make my living. Of course, I'd love to have a great Professorship at a great university and do groundbreaking research, but the realist in me just says "you better have more than a few back up plans". I'm not pessimistic, just trying to be rational.
So, from what I gather, there are a few things that I can do if I have to leave academia. I think for the most part they are: research mathematician for the government or private industry, cryptographer/cryptanalyst, programmer and quant. I'm not exactly sure what quants do on a day-to-day basis, and was hoping someone could help me out.
1. Is your job intellectually stimulating and satisfying? (this is my most prominent concern)
2. Do you get to really do math, or are you really just a programmer?
3. Do you make a good living? Good enough, that given an opportunity to go into an academic position, would you stay?
4. On "Wall Street", are you looked down upon, up to or viewed as an equal? (quotes because I'm a New Yorker, and I know you guys do not all work physically on Wall Street... Sometimes, I could swear there's no one in that part of the city!)
5. As far as programming is concerned, what language is most common and is there one or two that you recommend I become well-versed in just in case I want to/need to go to work in finance?
So, from what I gather, there are a few things that I can do if I have to leave academia. I think for the most part they are: research mathematician for the government or private industry, cryptographer/cryptanalyst, programmer and quant. I'm not exactly sure what quants do on a day-to-day basis, and was hoping someone could help me out.
1. Is your job intellectually stimulating and satisfying? (this is my most prominent concern)
2. Do you get to really do math, or are you really just a programmer?
3. Do you make a good living? Good enough, that given an opportunity to go into an academic position, would you stay?
4. On "Wall Street", are you looked down upon, up to or viewed as an equal? (quotes because I'm a New Yorker, and I know you guys do not all work physically on Wall Street... Sometimes, I could swear there's no one in that part of the city!)
5. As far as programming is concerned, what language is most common and is there one or two that you recommend I become well-versed in just in case I want to/need to go to work in finance?