Zero To Hero: Paths to Quant From A Non-Target
Bullet Proof Strategies
Many people will tell you that attempting to break into quant from a non-target school isn’t worth the effort. They are absolutely right. Big Tech companies like Meta/Netflix/Google have a much lower barrier to entry and offer highly lucrative careers.
A quant is simultaneously a software engineer, a data scientist, and an investment professional. The breadth and depth required to become a quant is what commands sky-high compensations.
Breaking into quant from a non-target school is absolutely not worth it if you do not have a passion for computer science, mathematics, and finance. However, if you do - the intellectual satisfaction offsets the barriers to entry.
Going to a non-target school presents the following problems:
Lack of interview opportunities
Discrimination during the interview process vs candidates from more prestigious universities
The second bullet point should command additional attention. You will need to be a superior candidate to your target school competitors in order to land the same opportunities. That being said, if you perform well in interviews - you benefit from a halo effect. Your interviewer will think he has found a hidden gem, and that the likelihood of you accepting the offer is higher than that of other candidates who are landing more interviews.
Non-Target Strategies
Over-prepare for interviews
Strong Personal Projects
Participate in competitions
Plan on grad school