I would like make a career change and go to work in finance.Do you think there is a good MS in Finance in US that could help me??? (P.S. I am 36)Please let me know some good Master in Finance programs.My email: ggalis@yahoo.com

Berkeley,NYUCarnegie Mellon ColumbiaChicagoStanfordAll have MSc in Quantitative finance Different people will give you different answers at to which is the best

Unless you are a lawyer, you a too late. Sorry, but most people are thinking about exit strategies at 36, not getting in to "finance".If you are a lawyer, you may be able to find a role in the structures team of a credit derivatives group.

ETF,I think EnergyQuant's opinion makes good sense. However, if you have an MBA and/or some experience of working with executives in the industry, 36 is not late at all.Regards

I would think that .....IT DEPENDS on : - your area of work experience - your academic background/experience If you have a masters math/stats/engineering (in dynamic control or something of the sorts) degree, then I would think that you should be able to make the transition. I've gotten the impression that modelling, etc is done by people who get employed after their PhDs - that would mean that they're around 30 or so when they start. Energyquant - why would you say that people are getting out in their mid-30s ?

Yes I have an MBA, no I do not have experience to work with executives. Could the CFA help to enter finance???Why only Master in quant finance, are they so much better than master in Finance???I do not have programming capability, I think I would not be admitted in any quant finance master.Some of you do know smth about the MSF in Boston College or at the Illinois Institute of Technology??ETFP.S. Thank to all for your replies.

What does that mean, you want to "work in finance?" What do you want to do? You are in a quantitative finance forum, so you can expect that opinions skew mathematical. If you have an MBA, what have you done in finance and why do you want to change? What do you want to change?Speak to Nidhi Singh at IIT's Center for Law and Financial Markets (312-906-5387 or nsingh@clfm.kentlaw.edu). She can describe various M.S. programs such as: financial engineering, compliance, risk control, and trading. Of course, you will be elbow deep in computer programming and mathematics if you choose the financial engineering or the risk control route. It is a very good program and has placed many people in banks, funds, exchanges, and trading firms in Chicago.The CFA can help to enter finance greatly. It is well worth the effort if you are considering financial analysis because it covers a broad range of topics in step fashion (three exams).

<q>I've gotten the impression that modelling, etc is done by people who get employed after their PhDs - that would mean that they're around 30 or so when they start. Energyquant - why would you say that people are getting out in their mid-30s ?</q>In my limited experience, future Quants go through their PhD program more quickly, and are "out" well before 30. Also, not every country requires a Masters before PhD. I believe most quants get onto a trading floor before they are 30 (I got into this business when I was only 27).I will be "done and dusted" by the time I am 35. Not because I will be rich beyond my wildest dreams - simply because it will be time for a change. Similar to science, if you haven't made it big by that age as a Quant, you never will. Finally - I don't know *anybody* older than 40 still sitting on a trading floor. Do you really think that 25 year old trader sitting next to you wants to hire someone closer to his Father's age than his own?I would be fascintated to hear the opinions of my more experienced colleagues.ETF - What do you currently do? Can you find an area in finance that intersects with this experience, hence creating a niche for you? Have you ever worked with an investment bank on potential transactions?To be blunt, if you have been in charge of widget production for the last 10 years, unless the latest fad is securitisation of widget earnings, then you should look for other areas to apply your skills. Good luck.

QuoteOriginally posted by: EnergyQuant<q> . . . Finally - I don't know *anybody* older than 40 still sitting on a trading floor. He e e e l l l l l o o o o o ?????? sure you do

Sorry to be off the subject. But I have been in my current job approx 1yr can anyone recommend a good headhunter? I have heard of an agent called Fraser Williams, any good?