Hi,I've got a bit of a dilemma - I have the opportunity to change phd projects/supervisors to someone well known in math. finance. However, at this stage I think my main interest is in probability theory and I think I'd like to go into academia at least as much as becoming a quant.Am I right in thinking quant recruiters are mainly going to be interested in how smart I am and how elite my C++ skills are? (rather than what topic my phd is in).Of course, doing math. finance as a PhD might mean I can sneak along to DQF and FDQF and build contacts but would this be a big factor?thanks,Peter

Not really. PhD topic is important too. Some are more marketable than others.

QuoteOriginally posted by: peterwHi,I've got a bit of a dilemma - I have the opportunity to change phd projects/supervisors to someone well known in math. finance. However, at this stage I think my main interest is in probability theory and I think I'd like to go into academia at least as much as becoming a quant.Am I right in thinking quant recruiters are mainly going to be interested in how smart I am and how elite my C++ skills are? (rather than what topic my phd is in).No. The difference is between 'ah, this guy did something weird and abstract, let's hope he's not too useless at practical things' and 'Ah, this guy actually did something relevant - saves us having to teach him the basics!'But beware of academic finance as well - make sure the stuff there is done in discussion with the industry, or that your profs have some industry experience. Otherwise, chances are it's as abstract and weird and useless as probability theoryQuoteOf course, doing math. finance as a PhD might mean I can sneak along to DQF and FDQF and build contacts but would this be a big factor?This is a HUGE factor. If you want to get a job in the fin industry, building background knowledge and relationships ahead of time can make your life so much easier(Disclaimer: I did really abstract PDE stuff at university - and now take active part in inteviewing and hiring decisions for my group)

thanks. I might go for joint supervision with another prob theory guy then decide after the end of my first year.I understand your point about academic finance but the guy's work is used in industry (and his papers are referenced on these forums) and although I don't think he formally collaborates with industry I got the impression he knows a lot of people on the game.Out of interest, adverts sometimes specify PDEs as a prerequisite. I've only done an undergrad third year course, would that be sufficient?

QuoteOut of interest, adverts sometimes specify PDEs as a prerequisite. I've only done an undergrad third year course, would that be sufficient?What kinds of PDEs did you do? The term tends to include stuff that is related to PDE theory.

basically Green's functions, fourier series methods to solve wave, heat and laplace equation. I looked it up and it was only a second year course. I guess I'll have to do a bit more reading?[edit]Cuchulainn; is this you -> http://www.datasim.nl/education/Daniel.html ? that's quite impressive[/edit]