Graduate Studies Blog
MSC FINANCIAL ENGINEERING
Finance, Maths, Programming: A day in the life of a Quantitative Analyst
The role of quantitative analysts, or “quants,” has become increasingly important in the finance industry due to the computerisation of trading systems. Dubbed the “rocket scientists of Wall Street”, quants use their expertise in financial theory, mathematics, and computer science to develop new trading strategies and manage risk.
With demand for quants on the rise, Wang Jiancheng shares a glimpse into his life as a quantitative research analyst at Qube Research & Technologies (QRT) after graduating from the MSc Financial Engineering programme at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.
The rocket scientists of Wall Street
Most investors dream of beating the market, and Jiancheng’s job involves building strategies to help them achieve just that. As a quantitative research analyst at Qube Research & Technologies (QRT), he and his team develop models to generate alpha – that is, returns on an investment that outperforms the market benchmark.
“I research alpha strategies for macro futures across a range of asset classes – commodities, bonds, equity indexes, FX, and crypto,” he explains. “I also manage the portfolios of those strategies.”
On a typical day, you’re likely to find Jiancheng stationed at his computer, performing data mining and testing quantitative models. But he also carves out time for teamwork and sharing ideas, especially in a collaborative environment like QRT.
“I’d say 80% of my day revolves around researching and testing potential ideas through programming,” he says. “Around 10% goes toward portfolio management, and another 10% is spent in discussions with my teammates, data vendors, and market specialists.”
Undoubtedly, the work of a quant is intellectually demanding as it calls for a strong grasp of statistics, data analysis, finance, and even disruptive technologies like machine learning. The rigour of the role is precisely what appeals to Jiancheng.
“I enjoy critical thinking, and I like that my job brings together finance, maths, and programming,” he shares. “It’s also fascinating to keep an eye on market changes and speculate how global changes – from inflation to war to government policies – can shape market trends.”
Building an interdisciplinary skillset
Thanks to his major in Financial Technology for his bachelor’s degree, Jiancheng secured a solid grounding in programming and financial innovations like cryptocurrency. This background spurred him to secure internships in quantitative research, including a stint at a Shanghai-based private fund group.
But he came to realise that there were gaps in his knowledge. “If I wanted to get a quant job, it would be crucial for me to have expertise in areas like statistical modelling and asset pricing,” he explains. To build the interdisciplinary skillset he needed to succeed, he embarked on a Specialised Master’s in Financial Engineering (MFE) from NTU’s Nanyang Business School (NBS). During his undergraduate days in Hong Kong, Jiancheng had gone on an exchange programme at NTU and thoroughly enjoyed his three months there. Going back to NTU for his master’s felt like a no-brainer to him.
“I think Singapore is a good environment to live in,” he says. “The MFE programme by NBS is also offered in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University, which means we get to study at CMU for one term and gain overseas exposure.”
Most importantly, the MFE programme offered the multi-disciplinary curriculum he needed to solve complex financial problems. “I had a lot of memorable lessons in modules like portfolio management and risk management. These are quantitative skills use daily in my current role.”
Finally, what set NBS apart was the strong career resources provided by the Graduate Studies Career Development Office (GSCDO). “The career coaches are fantastic,” Jiancheng says. Not only did he receive guidance on career planning and job hunting from a dedicated MFE career counsellor, but he also took full advantage of career workshops such as resume writing and interview preparation – preparing him well to snag his current position at QRT.
Gaining an edge in the finance world
For anyone keen on joining the dynamic world of finance, Jiancheng believes that an MSc in Financial Engineering is a valuable investment.
“The MFE programme has helped to open doors in my career, not only in quant knowledge, but also through career support and strong industry networks,” he sums up. “Whether or not you plan to be a quant, the diverse curriculum means you get opportunities and insights into different parts of the financial industry.”
Dreaming of being a “rocket scientist on Wall Street”? NBS’s MSc Financial Engineering is a vibrant interdisciplinary programme that equips you with the skills to excel in today’s high-technology finance environment. Gain an edge with competencies in finance, computer science, and mathematics, enriched with global opportunities and career resources.
Head to our website to find out more about the MSc Financial Engineering programme.
