Hi guys, I am in a sort of hole right now. I am currently doing my Masters in Physics with the idea of continuing into a PhD in Physics or Computational Finance. I would love to become a quant after I graduate. I have 2 questions:(1) In some threads in this forum, i've seen a lot of people say "Do not do a PhD just to become a quant!". However, the minimum requirement to become a quant is a PhD!! Whom to believe!!?(2) I've been offered the chance to move into trading. Its an IB in Ireland who will be training quantitative guys to become traders. So, should I continue with my PhD or try the trading??Any help or comments would be appreciated.

Do you mind me asking who its with in Ireland. There really aren't any IB's (int he "traditional" sense).....more trading firms, asset managers, hedge funds.....

Wallstreet,This is not the opinion of an experienced quant. I recently finished a PhD in Physics, and got in touch with several head hunters. This is what I have seen so far. With respect to being a quant (not a trader!), there seem to be 2 ways to get there: Either an Msc in maths finance specifically, or a PhD involving theory (i.e. applied maths) as well as computing. I f you are only interested in becoming a trader, then there is no need for all this, as traders are told how to use pricing instruments designed by quants+ they rely on experience. You can move to trading later on (or any desk that relies on quant work). But if you start as a trader,it will be hard to become a quant later on, otherwise impossible, as it is the general belief that if you are bright, you can learn complicated maths, but computing is a matter of several years of experience.Regarding the PhD, it really does not matter which field you choose (CMT, Theoretical, Plasma or god knows what) as long as you will spend a substantial amount of time programming (ideally in C++). Using software such as FEMLAB for example is certainly not considered as programming.Dunkan

Wallstreet - if it's who I think it is in Dublin I'd tread very carefully and have a lawyer go through a contract with a very fine toothcomb before signing it.

Thanks for replying.ladyIbanker, I think you are correct, its not an IB in the traditional sense, it's more of a trading firm. The headhunter I've been in contact with didn't name the firm. Neither have i given my consent yet, but i'm thinking of it. All I know is that it's a job in which they train you to become traders.Dunkan, that's why i'm planing to do a PhD in computational finance if i refuse the trading option. I guess i'll inherit all the required tools of quantitative finance and it will be easier for me to get accepted as a quant. Also, the french guys have it easier since they get into investment banking with a DEA which is equivalent to a 1st year PhD!!gw 33: you got me scared! Can you elaborate on what you know. Do you know any firms in Ireland where things have gone wrong?PS: Who earns more and who climbs up the corporate ladder quicker: quant or trader?