What are the chances for PhD Operations Research to get into top hedge funds?
Hi,
I’m currently a PhD candidate in a top North America public university in operations research (not in US), but with TN visa that can work in US. Im doing research in stochastic control and RL as applied to portfolio optimization and mean field games. My question is, how likely will they (two sigma, Citadel, Morgan Stanley etc) look at candidates like me? I don’t have any past hedge fund experience, but I have a Big 4 asset manager internship experience , a lot of my fellow classmates went to US for MFE programs after undergrad, (Princeton MFin, CMU MSCF, Baruch MFE etc). My question is: do you think it would be useful and necessary for me to get a MfE after my PhD? I’m thinking about this because my current university is good, but not quite HYPSM level thus non-target, and thus I am thinking about Princeton MFin after my phd to get into quant in Wall Street. I looked at some MFE program’s courses, I’m pretty much have taken almost all fundamental level courses and thus I think it might be a waste of money and time. But on the other hand, programs like Princeton MFin has a very high reputation and connections in industry. My end goal is to work in a top hedge fund like Citadel, as a quant researcher. Do you think a Postdoc at HYPSM level university can offset the fact that I don’t have a MFE like Princeton MFin? Or If I want to find some internships during my PhD, can I get one in those big Hedge funds?
Many Thanks in advance,
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:
PhD Relevance and Hedge Fund Interest:
Internship Experience:
MFE Consideration:
Postdoc at HYPSM:
Internship Opportunities During PhD:
Networking and Applications:
In summary, your PhD in operations research is highly relevant for a career in top hedge funds. While an MFE from a prestigious program can be beneficial, it is not strictly necessary if you can gain relevant experience and network effectively. A postdoc at a top-tier university can also enhance your profile. Focus on gaining relevant internships and building your network to improve your chances of landing a quant researcher role at a top hedge fund.
Sources: Best internships for Quant Trading?, How to be a Millionaire Trader, IB chance VS Ops sure thing, Deciding on quantitive majors/career path?, Math PhD hedge fund role
Lmao give up on quant
I assume you're in canada. The MFE would not help you and would frankly look weird to me as a hiring manager since it's a lower degree than the one you are already seeking. If I were you I'd find a way to transfer into a university in the USA and network better. There is a difference between applying as an entry level quant with OPT and applying as a foreign national. The former is extremely competitive, but someone with your background will most likely get multiple first rounds. The latter in many cases an automated screening tool might just chuck it into the digital garbage. I know dozens of OR PhDs in the field, but all of them were in the USA working before they applied to work at a hf
Thanks for replying. I am wondering if the TN visa would help the automated screening stage? I don’t need an OPT to work in the States since I already have a TN visa. If this is the case, would you still recommend transfer to USA or finishing up my degree here while trying to get some internships in the US?
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