A quantitative analyst, or ‘quant’, is somebody who examines data using mathematical theories and models and computer programs and algorithms. They then share their reports to whichever area of the company that requested them. Essentially, a quant analyst is a role in which a person uses various statistics, data, and analysis to make assumptions about what could potentially happen to a range of different financial markets, and then use those assumptions to make calculated business decisions.
Quant analysts apply a combination of skills, techniques, and experience from a wide variety of subjects, such as mathematics, computer programming and coding, accounting, and trading. Because of the strong level of knowledge needed to become a quant analyst, there is a lot of learning that needs to be done before you even start applying to entry-level positions.
This article is going to go through some of the best and most important courses needed to start on the path to getting a role in quantitative finance.
Firstly, if you are hoping to get into quantitative finance, it is vital that you have a background in a subject with roots in mathematics, finance, computer programming, statistics, engineering, or physics. If you have a degree in a field unrelated to these, it is highly unlikely to be considered for a quant role.
An extremely important course for a potential quant to take is one that has modules in or is entirely based on, probability. Many quant analysts work for investment banks, hedge funds, and stockbrokers, so it is significant that these quants have a deep understanding of probability.
Another great series of courses for a potential quant to take are in the fields of computer programming and machine learning. There are numerous programming languages that come in handy with quant analysis, such as Python, C++, and Java. These are extremely useful because quants use coding to build databases to hold data, and other programs and algorithms to analyze said data.
CQF (Certificate of Quantitative Finance)
The CQF is an extremely prestigious and well-respected course for learning all the basics and specialties in regard to the world of quantitative finance online. It is designed and taught by professionals to give potential quants the tools and knowledge needed to secure a role in quantitative finance.
The course emphasizes up-to-date and actual techniques that are used in quantitative finance, which you can utilize straight away! The CQF can be delivered in up to 90 countries and is highly flexible.
University
University courses are a method of learning some fundamentals in quantitative finance. Areas such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, engineering, and economics are all used in quantitative finance, therefore one of those degrees would be an appropriate way to start before going to study specific courses designed for those wanting careers in quantitative finance.
Be wary though, some university courses sound like they may be a way of going straight into a quant finance job, despite them not being internationally recognised by academics and quant analysts in the field.