So you want to be a quant?

Quants are in heavy demand these days, despite the recent hedge fund turmoil. In a way, it's "Revenge of the Nerds" meets "Wall Street." The geekier the better. Computer science is almost passé. Math and physics are way "cooler." If you could come up with a credible new take on, say, string theory, it might get you an interview at Goldman Sachs. Make sure you also note that you programmed an online craps game in high school for fun, and put it on the Net. They love that stuff. Advanced Trading notes that universities are responding to the demand with MFE (Masters in Financial Engineering) programs. To the real quant snobs, this may end up being the equivalent of an MFA for writers. For now, it's a good way to get started.  

For more:
- here's the Advanced Trading article

Related Article:
Quant funds at a crossroads