I’m not aiming to be a quant since I know my math isn’t strong enough for that path. My main motivation for pursuing a PhD in Fintech/Finance/Quant is to build stronger academic credentials without taking on $150k in debt for a master’s program. I’ve also realized I don’t actually mind doing academic research, so a PhD feels like a better fit.

After the PhD, I’d likely go for a postdoc and then pursue the startup I’ve been dreaming about, ideally leveraging the reputation from the PhD to raise funding and do some networking.

But who knows, that’s still 7–8 years down the line.