| Topic Name: |
Excel books |
| Message Name: |
navy |
| Date Posted: |
10/25/2004 |
| In Reply To: |
First of all, you're good to go with a science-intensive major at any of the major IM's. A hedge fund is not as concerned with buddy-building or images as an IB would be; therefore, their top priority is getting sharp individuals with top-notch quantitative skills.
There is a certain amount of knowledge that one with no prior experience in finance can avail oneself to in order to mitigate any glaring deficiencies that might be encountered in the interview process.
First of all, read the Wall Street Journal. I read newspapers all day long (information is king), and I have yet to come across a more complete source of unbiased business information. It will help you understand trends, terminology, etc. You should read the News, Money/Investing, Tech, Marketing and Opinion sections on a daily basis in order to get a good grasp of the ongoing business stories of the day.
Next, grab yourself a couple of decent weekly/montly publications. Business Week, News Week, and the Economist are among the best (In my opinion). I spent close to 4 years getting a BS in economics before I did CE; I could have saved myself some time by just reading these publications. Again, learn the terminology, the business stories, etc. Pay attention to the 'macro' issues you encounter: financial markets are like a giant web...none move without affecting the others.
Once you become more familiar with the macro/business side of things, you must become more familiar with the technical details. Hence my earlier suggestion to read "Options, Futures and other Derivatives" by Hull. The first firm I worked at sent us that book (free of charge) the summer before I started and suggested we read to chapter 18. Having little/no prior finance experience, I did (highlighting along the way). To my surprise, when I showed up on day one, few (if any) of my classmates had read the book...and it showed. I hit the ground running and never looked back.
If you took calculus in college (we were required to take up to calculus III), you shouldn't have any problems. Start slowly; each idea builds on the next. If you are diligent, you will come out looking like a star and ready for any interview.
Any more questions, feel free. I actually work in the industry--as a trader--and I love to help. |
| Message: |
where do you trade (without naming the place...a description will do) and what do you trade? From your other posts I am assuming equities.
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