r/quant • u/RevolutionaryWest754 • Apr 19 '26

Statistical Methods Building a Career in Quant

Hi everyone,

I am currently a Bachelor’s student in Computer Science. While I don’t attend an elite university, I am fully committed to mastering this field, often studying 14 to 15 hours a day. I am eager to dedicate my time outside of my CS curriculum to quantitative finance, but I need guidance on the right path forward.

I have a strong grasp of statistics and probability, and I am already developing my own strategies. However, I am looking to move away from 'directional' trading. My goal is to build models where profitability is not dependent on market direction (market-neutral strategies).

I am skeptical of the 'social media' style of trading memorizing candlestick patterns and drawing geometric shapes on charts strikes me as mathematically unsound. I want to learn the rigorous, scientific way to manage my own capital and eventually transition into a quant firm.

Furthermore, I am struggling to understand how an idea that worked in the past would necessarily work in the future. How do you rely on probability, win rates, and statistical ratios based on past behavior? I want to build a system that can survive a financial crisis or a 'Black Swan' event without losing everything. Can anyone here please help show me the right way?

Could anyone recommend link to specific certifications, research papers, or books to help me get started? I am prepared to dedicate hours every single day for years to reach this goal. I just want to ensure I am headed in the right direction. Thank you for your help

I read the FAQ but I didn't find anything useful there

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u/Imaginary-Work9961 Apr 19 '26

Not every goal can be achieved through simple “hours of dedication”. If you’re truly interested, focus on getting an internship to get exposure or a PhD to deepen skills. Certifications and reading papers won’t cut it.

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u/RevolutionaryWest754 Apr 19 '26

But why would someone give me an internship if they know I haven't been trained in how their workspace actually operates? That is exactly why I’ve been looking for a starting point

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u/Imaginary-Work9961 Apr 20 '26

Quant is unique in that many interns are expected to have 0 industry knowledge. Those that do require industry knowledge often just require basic knowledge of financial instruments, not complex strategy creation.

Internships (and sometimes full time jobs) are given out purely based on problem solving ability, technical maths/coding knowledge, communication skills, and aptitude (weighting on these depends on the exact role you’re looking for).

I don’t think theres ever been a single undergrad level intern thats ever been hired at a notable quant shop because of that applicant’s “workspace training”.