I have background in Econometrics, Optimization, Computational Economics,Monte-carlo simulation and programming in c,c++ and VB.Can these skills get me a job in quantitative finance? What other quantitative skills do firms usually look for.

What other quantitative skills do firms usually look for?Differential equations (ordinary & partial), probability, stats... and more than anything, on-the-spot problem solving skills.And a smattering of quantitative finance - e.g., having read & understood Hull.

According to the forthcoming trend in quantitative finance, an optical engineer and optical physics should be the right Quants at the right spot (hot!). I am just wondering about new dimensions of portfolio replications...So, shall we see?

David,Could you elaborate ? I'm afraid I missed a recent development in applications of optical physics to portfolio management.

<< Could you elaborate ? I'm afraid I missed a recent development in applications of optical physics to portfolio management. >>Well, not necessarily portfolio management...!Some good men have started to set their eyes into the greener fields of optical money machines in the financial world, because they demand their slice. I mean, here are people who designed the most advance optic edifice - the Hubble Space Telescope. However, certain officials undermined against this marvelous project and sabotaged that grandiose optical telescope just before it launched. Gradually, the frustration led these great minds into other fields!I should reveal the reality as it is, when....

I see. So it seems we are talking here about optical physicists, not optical physics, in finance, or am I wrong ?

<< I see. So it seems we are talking here about optical physicists, not optical physics >>Your are right scholar, it was my fault here (as usual..), sorry.Anyway, thanks for correcting.

Sriram,The kind of training required for quantitative positions tends to vary from one country to another. Where would you be looking ?Jitendra

I might add that, in addition to your technical problem-solving skills, an understanding of the underlying product would be very helpful.