Man, I'm so depressed. I had an interview. Things were going great on the math finance side and then they started grilling me on C++/Java and I choked.You gotta know your C++/Java!!I need a beer...Eric

Which firm, what position, what kind of maths questions ?How about C++ and Java questoinsThank you

Which firm, what position, what kind of maths questions ?How about C++ and Java questoinsThank you >>I'll tell you which firm AFTER I get a job. The last thing I need right now is more competition The math was all stochastic calculus. They asked about how I would take into consideration nonconstant volatity to extend Black-Scholes. That seemed to be really important to them. Know how to price American options.The C++ and Java questions were not really that difficult. Simple things like, "Why is object oriented programming so great?" What are derived classes, inheritance, etc.?I think if you were a fresh grad with an MS in financial engineering, you would have been fine in the interview. You gotta get to that level. I'm ALMOST there.I don't really have time be depressed unfortunately. I need to learn C++ before Tuesday...Best of luck!Eric

OK for fairness,I just ask you :1) Are you applying for a junior quant job ? If yes, do you get a MSC or PHD ?2) How do you get the job ad. ? I mean through agency or newspaper ?Which newspaper or agency. Grateful if you may suggest some recommendations.I will go broken very soon if I can't find a job. My landlord here will throw me out !School will not care I suck or die....Pls. helpJobseeker

Hi,It sounds like your situation is pretty desparate. You probably know this already, but perhaps you should consider taking another job. Mathematical finance is extremely competitive. I have a PhD from the 3rd ranked school in the US for my major, my research center is the best in the world for applied electromagnetics, and I'M having trouble finding a job as a JUNIOR quant. The mathematics of stochastic calculus comes second nature to me and I'm an expert in computational physics. Unless your qualifications are better than mine, you will have an even harder time getting a job. Plus, it's been said here before, "It's much easier to find a job if you already have a job." ANY job. Even having a job at McDonald's would pay your rent. Hell, at one point I was so desparate for cash I did some substitute teaching. I was used to teaching university courses and suddenly I am standing in front of a room full of 6 year olds The point is, you gotta do what you gotta do. Even if that means taking a job that doesn't excite you much. Never give up your dream, but you don't want to go down in a ball of flames holding out for a dream job when you can find some balance in your life by taking an intermediate job that will pay the bills while continuing the search. In fact, something like substitute teaching would be great. All you need is an undergraduate degree and the pay is decent. They are always in demand. Plus, you make your own schedule so its easy to take off for interviews.Keyword: BalanceIt's not my intention to be mean, but the truth hurts sometimes. If you keep walking the path your are walking, the chances ARE good you will become homeless and totally screwed. Maybe you NEED to get your ass kicked like that. There was a point in my life when I was completely unrealistic and I did end up homeless for a while. That kicks your ass believe me. Pain is a good teacher. Fortunately, I was able to stand up again and now I'm kicking ass and taking names. You can too, but you might need a real life changing experience to straighten you out. It sounds like you are dedicated and hard working, but hard working doesn't cut it if you are misplacing your efforts.I suggest you take stock of all your options (no math lingo intended ). See what is realistic and what is unrealistic and develop a plan B, plan C, and plan D for yourself. Determine a point at which you should pull the rip cord and bail out. Going through life without a safety is not a wise move.Eric

Thank you Erice for your words.I agree with what you said. I was a Programmer before swithing to quant finance.Even in programming, there are too many supply and I remembered how the asshole gaveme bad words saying that I can't do this and that when I first interviewed and had noexperience.After five years when I looked back, what's the big deal ? I can program well though not aguru. Also the technologies are changing so fast, even you are expert in a language butcompany doesn't provide you enough training, you will be phased out very soon.Same as in quant finance job. I just believe the real problem is with the job mkt. than whetheryou really hold a MFE or PHD in Maths. After all, many of the stuffs won't be applied, like Measure Theory.I don't believe inventing a new der. contract involves this abstract algebra. (If Yes, I already shouldspot it in Wilmott's book and the term sheets)They just make people's life very difficult. I tell you another story. I just applied a ED trader trainee jobin my home country. The fucking excuse the headhunter gave me is because I don't have the relevantexperience. Mother fucker ! If I had the experience, I should be making a bet and killing earning lot oftons of $ , my friend.Particularly in the finance arena, there are many assholes which may not be really that bright but justplay politics. However, I believe if we (I and you) are persistent finally we still can enter the door. It isjust a matter of who like you (like courting game , you don't know who is your life-time partner when andwhere you will meet her)Don't give up ! ALthough I am complaining a lot in this forum, it is just a way to relieve my pressure. BUtI still do my homework everyday.JObseeker

Hi Eric, "I have a PhD from the 3rd ranked school in the US." What kind of marks did you get in your university to enter a so great PhD school??? Somethink like 95% or what?Thanks, Nishan