HiI'm currently working in simulation research in Italy, after a PhD in the Uk, and a background in physics. I'm interested in entering the quant field, but have also heard interesting things about structuring. I'm looking for advice on first steps... On networking, what is the best way to do this - cold calling - how do you find the people? In my last university, I went to several ibanks presentations and noone could tell me who to contact in their own bank!I've heard different opinions on the level of programming required - I use C and unix scripts, for my research its enough - what would an entry role require? Finally, are there are quants out there working in italy?all the best, Eoin

This is a well worn path, but it starts in many different ways. Some ideas though:- Read some books, Hull, PWO(I)QF. If PW reads this thread, he'll doubtless paste in a link to the Wilmott book shop. - Try to find some former colleagues (or contacts of former colleagues) who are now working in quant roles. - Look for an entry level developer role (you might need some more diverse programming skills such as C++ or VB / VBA). - Look for an entry level role in business analysis (just had a guy in my department that took this path - it was a nice feeling to be able to say to him "Why don't you speak to *** about taking over ###'s job.")- Look again at the graduate recruitment round. Not all graduates are 21 and fresh out of the box. - Contact some recruitment consultants. The jobs board here will have some names. While you may not be right for the job advertised, the recruiter will be glad to have another CV on the books. To answer the question on programming, this depends on the exact role you do. If you end up in a development team, you'll need the C++, Java, VB(A) or even Microsoft's latest marketing wheeze. Plenty of non-development facing quants and business analysts start with scripting, move to Perl, databases then the higher end stuff. There must be quants in Italy. Sadly I don't have any contacts for you as the Italian side of my family is well away from the business centres. They have some fantastic food and wine though!