Serving the Quantitative Finance Community

 
User avatar
conga

how to position for a quant management role

February 22nd, 2008, 2:32 am

I've been working in software businesses for over 20 years and in banking and finance for over 6. Most of my finance work has been as a coder and/or model builder.Since moving into banking and finance I have seen a great need for 2 things:First, people with quantitative skills, especially math and CS. This is no surprise to anyone trying to hire quant finance talent. This is also the topic of frequent articles in magazines and newspapers.The other thing I have seen a great need for is good management and leadership of quantitative teams. I rarely see this need discussed in the press.Nor has it been the topic of much discussion at any of the companies I've worked for.As I approach 50 (it's not in the rear view mirror yet) I feel that I make a better value proposition as a manager than as a coder/model builder. Age does not by itself bring management expertise, but I've been observing management patterns for a long time and think I can do better than most of what I've seen.Any advice on how to position myself for a management role?
 
User avatar
MichaelL
Posts: 0
Joined: July 31st, 2002, 6:45 am

how to position for a quant management role

February 22nd, 2008, 4:35 pm

QuoteOriginally posted by: congaI've been working in software businesses for over 20 years and in banking and finance for over 6. Most of my finance work has been as a coder and/or model builder.Since moving into banking and finance I have seen a great need for 2 things:First, people with quantitative skills, especially math and CS. This is no surprise to anyone trying to hire quant finance talent. This is also the topic of frequent articles in magazines and newspapers.The other thing I have seen a great need for is good management and leadership of quantitative teams. I rarely see this need discussed in the press.Nor has it been the topic of much discussion at any of the companies I've worked for.As I approach 50 (it's not in the rear view mirror yet) I feel that I make a better value proposition as a manager than as a coder/model builder. Age does not by itself bring management expertise, but I've been observing management patterns for a long time and think I can do better than most of what I've seen.Any advice on how to position myself for a management role?Move to IT. You can run up and down the management tree like a happy chimp. Most quant teams have some good people, but tend to be stable. Insability is the hallmark of many IT deparments (in many industries) and thus provides more opportunities... a bit cynical but true. You may be asked why you haven't done it before now though...
Last edited by MichaelL on February 21st, 2008, 11:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.
 
User avatar
ArthurDent
Posts: 5
Joined: July 2nd, 2005, 4:38 pm

how to position for a quant management role

February 22nd, 2008, 6:48 pm

QuoteOriginally posted by: MichaelLMost quant teams have some good people, but tend to be stable.Explain please. quant teams are stable - in what sense? quants do not change jobs?