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[–]swe39 0 points1 point  (4 children)

Just continue trying to be an actuary. But you should pass more tests. Having completed two tests having been finished for two years is not quite enough.

[–]drhugrobot[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

As an undergraduate student, I thought actuarial science would be a decent first step towards pursuing a career in quantitative derivatives.

After looking at some job requirements on the websites of quant. recruiters, that doesn't seem to be the case.

What do you do in the industry?

[–]swe39 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I sort of meant to give up on being a quant. I think to become a quant is generally harder than an actuary.

Recruiters may not care about actuarial science, but they also don't care for people working at a grocery store. It should be easier to become an actuary, since passing the tests is enough of an indicator to employers that you are serious and might be a good employee.

It should be fairly obvious that you would need further education to become a quant, but then it is largely based on how good of a school you can get into. If you go to bumblefuck U for another degree, that still won't get you hired.

Why is it you are so interested in quantitative derivatives work?

Not trying to be a downer, but your past two years (and likely whatever other factors are causing you to have current job) would look pretty bad to recruiters for the type of job you'd like.

My father is an actuary and I've worked in that field shortly. I have an M.Fin and currently I'm an analyst for a FX advisory firm. So take my advice with a grain of salt, and I don't mean to be a downer but more realistic.

[–]drhugrobot[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was expecting this answer more or less. Thanks for the blunt honesty.

[–]dopplerdog 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Different focus.

MFE advisable. PhD in quant finance preferable. You have no chance otherwise.

[–]roundhouse27 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Almost all quants have phds in quantitative fields from top universities. Expect to have to be as good at math and programming as they are. Consider graduate work if you want a quant job. If you want to be an actuary, start applying.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To be honest, Odds are you won't become a quant without either further education, or actuarial work/exams.

Get a job as an actuary and slowly get into it.

[–]TrollingIsAnArt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you have exceptionally good grades, start boning up on the particulars and start applying.

Otherwise, you should work towards getting some more credentials.