Internships as a Quantitative Analyst

[Johannes]

Hello,

I'm currently a 3rd semester Physics Student. I am not really sure in whit direction I want to go, I am tending towards theoretical physics rather than experimental, but I am also interested in ecomonics, so maybe becoming a "quants guy" might be a good idea, but compared with the research work at universities, I know hardly anything about how this job is like, so I would like to do in internship in this field the upcoming spring holidays for about 4 - 8 weeks.
Does anyone of you have any suggestions or advice, like what companies or institutes take interns or what to search for? When looking at the websites of the usual suspects, I can only find short internship programs for MBA students or things like that.

Thank you in advance,

Johannes

 

[kote]

Hello,

I'm currently a 3rd semester Physics Student. I am not really sure in whit direction I want to go, I am tending towards theoretical physics rather than experimental, but I am also interested in ecomonics, so maybe becoming a "quants guy" might be a good idea, but compared with the research work at universities, I know hardly anything about how this job is like, so I would like to do in internship in this field the upcoming spring holidays for about 4 - 8 weeks.
Does anyone of you have any suggestions or advice, like what companies or institutes take interns or what to search for? When looking at the websites of the usual suspects, I can only find short internship programs for MBA students or things like that.

Thank you in advance,

Johannes

The best place to start would be your career services office and finance students or professors. The only places hiring quant interns will probably be small proprietary trading firms. See, for example:

http://www.janestreet.com/workplace/internships.php
http://www.hudson-trading.com/careers.php

These internships are extremely competitive and most quantitative trading firms/desks will not offer internships and only hire PhDs. Usually only summer internships are offered anywhere.

 

[charng]

I can understand your dilemma and your interest in exploring different career options. Internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience and get a better understanding of a particular field. In the case of quantitative analysis, internships can provide valuable learning opportunities and help you decide if it is the right career path for you.

To start with, I would recommend networking with professionals in the field of quantitative analysis, either through your university or through online platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide you with insights into the job market and potential internship opportunities. You can also reach out to companies directly and inquire about their internship programs. It may be helpful to have a well-crafted resume and cover letter that highlights your skills and interest in the field.

Additionally, there are many online resources that can help you find internships in quantitative analysis, such as websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Internships.com. These platforms allow you to filter your search based on location, duration, and specific skills required.

It is also important to keep in mind that internships in quantitative analysis may not be limited to companies or institutes in the financial sector. Many industries, such as healthcare, technology, and government, also employ quantitative analysts. So, broaden your search and explore different industries to find the right fit for you.

Lastly, don't be discouraged if you don't find an internship right away. Keep networking, building your skills, and staying updated on the latest developments in the field. With persistence and determination, you will find the right opportunity to gain valuable experience as a quantitative analyst. Best of luck in your search!