I am currently a masters student in Computer and Information Science at Upenn graduating in May 2006. I am interested in going to the financial sector as a quantitative analyst. I have been taking graduate level courses in statistics, probability theory,etc.I guess computer science also instills a lot of quantitative and mathematical background into a student.I tried at many companies for a summer internship in the same area but didn't get a single call even for the interviews...I got offers for the IT division but none in the quant division. My interpretation is that I didn't calls becoz I had nothing on my resume to offer in that area except projecting it as my academic interest and a few courses ( which any Math or finance major has done much more than me ) Since I still have one yr to graduate, I can work towards the right direction to meet my career goals if given some guidance or advice that what do I need to work on more to manage to get into this field.Any kind of suggestion is highly appreciated.Thanks.

do MFE in top school....

Sounds like you might have the requisite skills, but lack an "in" into the industry. My advice, short of doing a MFE (since I assume that you don't really feel like paying for another masters), is:1) Do lots of self study. The usual books that you hear people mention on this forum, Hull, Rennie Baxter, Shreve. Or even just lecture notes from Professors who teach in Math Finance programs ( I know NYU profs post some of their notes online). This will get you the requisite knowledge, at least at the basic level. It NEVER hurts, since you're a Comp Sci major I assume you're a good programmer, to actually sit down and program some of the models in C++. C++ because that's what is used out there. This way, when you do get an interview, you can "show off" your knowledge. 2) Like I said, it seems you lack an "in." But come on, you're in Upenn!!! One of the major suppliers of soldiers to Wall Street firms!!! Surely you can contact alum from your school about internships and ask them to pass your resume around. Alums are a great way to go about doing this, I guarantee you. 3) Alternatively, think of an IT internship as an "in." Work there for the summer, and see what comes out of it. It's good money too dude. It would also make sense to get an IT position that might be close to a trading floor. No point doing IT for, say I-banking. Also, consider IT as a career. The guy whom I'm gonna work with this summer (yes, I'll be an intern myself) started out as an IT guy. He then went into trading and in 5 years, was promoted from Associate to Director! But then again, I'm sure many people tried to switch but failed. Last piece of advice. (Disclaimer: I've never interviewed a single person in my life, but I have gone for many interviews. Just speaking from experience) Assume that you get an interview for a quant position. And during the interview, they ask you why you want to do quant work. If I were you, I wouldn't proclaim my love for quant finance and say that that's been my goal my entire life. Why? Because you're doing a Masters in Comp and Info Sci. That person might think "Dude, then you should have done an MFE!"

Beside Zoidberg's advices, I'd also suggest trying to follow the quant dev road, it might be easier as an IT to get in.

Masters from UPenn. Does it mean you have BSc from Upenn as well. Sometimes, undergraduate school name is more important for entry level jobs.As point out from the others, the major doubt is why you want to do CS rathen than MFE if you want to get in quant position. You really need to spend sometimes to find a way out. Having a BSc in CS may not hurt but having a second degree in CS may indicate your interest.My suggestion is to do a lot of self-study on mathematical finance and lists out the books that you have read in your CV.

A lot of self study...

Do your course project in C++.Do not use Delphi.

Thanx a lot. It was very helpful. I understand that self-study will be the most important thing to concentrate on besides trying to do good projects in C++.and hey Zoidberg, thanx for ur last tip. I agree with it completely