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There are similar threads before, which are very helpful. But I get a specific question here. What shall I do to build up my background, I mean, things that can stand out in my resume other than just saying I am good at this or that? I am two years away from graduation. So I have plenty of time to improve my c++ and fin math. I plan to get a MFE if necessary. Would taking CFA exams help increase my chance of getting admitted into a top program? Appreciate any comments. Thanks a lot.

QuoteOriginally posted by: chenmc3There are similar threads before, which are very helpful. But I get a specific question here. What shall I do to build up my background, I mean, things that can stand out in my resume other than just saying I am good at this or that? I am two years away from graduation. So I have plenty of time to improve my c++ and fin math. I plan to get a MFE if necessary. Would taking CFA exams help increase my chance of getting admitted into a top program? Appreciate any comments. Thanks a lot.Doing an internship is probably a good move.

and join local chapters of IAFE, PRMIA, Sociaty of Financial Analysts and starting attending local meetings.

If you are planning to finish your PhD I would say do not worry about the CFA.It is trivial.There are some PhD students in the Msters programs in Quant Finance.They seem to do very well in recruiting if they haveC++ and basic communication skills.

Thank you very much. Your replies are really helpful. I have further questions here. If I want to be admitted into a very top MFE program, would taking CFA exams help? I applied for 2004 finance phd programs. While underestimating the competition, I got declined by all. The admission rates for all the top schools were below 2%. I don't want to go through this again. So I am now trying to gain myself more competitive edge. Welcome any suggestions.

chenmc3:By "very top MFE programs" which ones are you referring to? They mostly focus on your academic record than anything, so CFA wouldn't help. If you are talking about getting the CFA charter before applying then forget it, because it'll be three years minimum before you can get that. Perfect GRE quant score and GPA are the two most important factors. If you have these two things, everything else is side dish.

A person with a PhD in physics and good C++ skills is already well placed to get a good job in finance. The main obstacles in your way are likely to be (1) that you don't know anybody in the finance industry and (2) that you don't understand in sufficient detail what people actually do. NothernJohn's advice of getting an internship is good. An internship will enable you to start making useful contacts. You should spend the internship period being humble and asking lots of practical questions in order to find out who does what. You should talk to as many people within the organisation as you can. Once you have finished the internship you should stay in touch with these people. In addition to getting an internship, you should go through your address book and figure out if anyone you know knows someone that works in the industry. Build a network, make contacts, develop your understanding of the business.Finally, read some finance books. In two years you will be able to absorb a lot of finance theory. You should aim to be able to present yourself in two years time as being smart and hard working (your PhD), with useful skills (demonstrable C++ skills) and a good understanding of the business. Being able to advertise these skills through your new network will be much more valuable than simply being another happy punter with some letters after your name.

Taking the CFA exam would not hurt you, but I do not thinkit will help much since it isnt necessary. If you know C++, and have good quant skills, go to an MFE program and you will be able to get intofinance. The fact that you didnt get in to a PhD program in Finance means nothing. There are many Finance PhDrejects in the MFE programs. The finance PhDprograms are much harder to get into, and eventhen 25% or so quit before they get their PhD.Apply to an MFE program ASAP and you'll likely get intothe industry in a year or two, maybe sooner.