Hi,I am writing to get some feedback as to how feasible it is for me to enter the world of quantitative finance, and how best to enter this area.A little about myself:*Work and live in Toronto*Graduated from Electrical Engineering in 2004 from a top Canadian university.*Obtained a Master of Applied Science from the same university in 2006 - thesis topic heavily employed applied mathematics.*Worked in a technical capacity since 2006 developing novel signal processing algorithms and employing statical methods to characterize system performance.*Authored/co-authored multiple conference papers*Proficient in Matlab and competent in C,C++, as well as Objective-C.*Technological hobbyist/entrepreneur.*patent author*Supervised other engineers*Commenced a PhD in Physics January 2013 part-time (estimated time to completion Dec. 2015). There is synergy between my focus at work and my thesis topic.*Completed other endeavors demonstrating technical leadership.*I'm in my early 30sI am seriously considering taking a stab at quantitative finance. The reasons for this are:*It seems I have hit the glass ceiling as an engineer who enjoys developing new signal processing methods and programming (although I haven't tried going for the Google/Facebook/Oil and gas jobs, which probably pay a little more)*Although the supervisory option is open to me, I don't particularly enjoy it.*I enjoy mathematics, coding statistical algorithms and providing expert advice.* I am not interested in a job in academia, if/when I complete my PhD.Now, I am looking for some hones advice as to:1. What would be a good strategy for me to become gainfully employed in the world of quantitative finance?2. Not unrelated to #1 above, which job, given my current experience should I target? Could I compete for a quant. job? Or would targeting a supporting role (e.g. back office) be a good stepping stone? How much could I reasonably expect to make in such a role?3. What training would best complement my current level of expertise? Would completing my PhD make me more competitive, or would I be better served by completing come financial engineering training (e.g. CFQ)?4. Would relocating help me to accelerate my career? Could I aim for a job in NYC, or one of the Asian cities, for which I've heard it is easier to get a quant. job?I know this is a lot, but I would appreciate any feedback.Cheers,Andrew

Regarding Tech, You are better off working in tech in Toronto than banking back office anywhere in the world. the money is barely better and definitely not worth the hassle.As for "quant", you need to determine what value you can add and target some firms for interviews via headhunters. This book might help: you are serious about this you need to be in NY or London.

QuoteOriginally posted by: AndrewChorelliHi,*It seems I have hit the glass ceiling as an engineer who enjoys developing new signal processing methods and programming (although I haven't tried going for the Google/Facebook/Oil and gas jobs, which probably pay a little more)*Although the supervisory option is open to me, I don't particularly enjoy it.*I enjoy mathematics, coding statistical algorithms and providing expert advice.* I am not interested in a job in academia, if/when I complete my PhD.Based on this, you're probably suited for buy side algo research type jobs. Whether they want you is of course another question.

I am lost. Can you explain what exactly you are doing now?

I am a lead engineer and doing a phd on the side. My phd is related to my work, so it's not a tremendous load.