I have PhD, MSc and BSc in math/probabilities. But after PhD, I have been working in IT/software/JAVA for 7 years due to various reasons. Recently I joined an investment bank, IT department. I found the career path is limited and quant maybe more interesting to me.That means (if I can get a quant job) I have to start from beginning, junior level again. Is it worth it? Considering as compensation, job security, work hours etc.

Depends how much you want to use your IT experience vs math degrees. You could probably start at a higher base if you can leverage the IT experience in a quant role and make up the difference from the business reporting bonus pool. An MSc/MFE in math finance would further strengthen the start salary and should be a breeze considering your background.

There is not huge demand for Java in quant work, although if you've done hardcore Java, it's a lot easier to break into.Your academics are appropriate for being a quant, but one has to assume you've got a bit rusty, maybe the CQF might be an option for you.Certainly you will need to study, and that's whatever ratio of taught and self study that suits you.Rather than try for a big break, you might want to look at a gradual approach, albeit one that still requires a jump or two.You should be able to move into quant development, and that pays reasonably well compared to "straight" IT work.It's also the case that many bits of business knowledge you gain make you more valuable in a bank regardless of how exactly your career turns out in the end.To answer your specific question if someone did offer you a quant job, then you'd take a pay cut, but probably not a very large one, and 18 months from now I'd expect you to be earning more.

Great. Thanks. It is still not too late to attend tonight's CQF open evening.

I'll be there, actually I'm currently sitting upstairs recording the first part of Cruel and Unusual Mathematics.

i've followed the same path but i dont have the PhD - can i become a quant?i am quite good at maths - i understand probability, equations and graphs. i can also do adding, takeaway, times and divide (by hand)do i need to do a PhD to get in, or are there opportunities at my level?

Quote i can also do adding, takeaway, times and divide (by hand)do i need to do a PhD to get in, or are there opportunities at my level?lol