finred wrote:
Hi Linda,
This is my first post on gmatclub. I hope you provide assistance to students applying for MFE programs. The purpose of this post is to get sincere advice and feedback on my profile for MFE programs and any value additions or skillset which can be attained to get my profile strong in time for Fall 2013 MFE programs.
Brief Overview
I have completed my graduation from one of the decent engineering schools in India in 2008 (NIT Jaipur) in Electrical Engineering. Post that i had worked in an Oil PSU for a year and then quit and took care of home-owned business where i got time to do part time trading at Indian bourses. After a 2 year stint at home I again took employment at one of the procurement consulting firm for a year, where I was primarily engaged in conducting financial risk assessments of key suppliers across the client’s supply chain and identifying potential savings assessment and recommending optimal sourcing strategy for clients. Currently I am working at one of the market research firms where i am involved in conducting market studies consisting of financial and industry analysis.
Queries
1.) I had given my GRE (1420 Q-800 V-620), back in Dec 2007 since i was planning to apply to MS in the following year after my graduation. Since my GRE score would expire in Dec 2012, could you please tell me would this score be eligible for Fall 2013 since many schools open their application procedure from October or should i retake GRE. Also should i pre-app with the prospective universities regarding this?
2.) I had three semesters of engineering mathematics (consisting of calculus, linear algebra and probability) at the graduate level and 2 semesters of computer engineering (basic programming). Would this fulfill the eligibility criteria of some MFE programs which have explicitly stated they require 2 sems of calculus and 1 sem of prob and linear algebra each? If not what can i do to cover the shortfall.
3.)Since I do not have front desk work experience in finance, I am thinking of completing algorithmic trading course online from one of the institutes in India to strengthen my profile. Andy do you think this would add weightage to my profile or should i go for "quantnet C++" course offering the samer? Which one will add more value to the profile, if i have to choose one (monetary constraint) and Would completing a general C++ certificate course from a normal vendor would suffice the programming requirement?
4.)I am planning to transit (hopefully) to mid-level or a startup Quant firm in India after completing my algotrading course and programming course probably by year end. Do you think such a short time work experience in a quant firm will add any significant weightage to my profile for the Fall 2013 program or should I continue in the current industry. This I have considered taking into account the work ex till the interview process
5.)Plz recommend me some good MFE programs in Asia or US with my current profile. Can anybody shed light on the NTU MFE program or the HKUST MS in Financial Maths?
Thanks for bearing with such a long post. I really want to take a quant career for which I feel the MFE program will be an ideal route in case of my situation. I welcome all feedback and advice which will make my case strong for good MFE programs. Thanking in anticipation
You're welcome! I'm afraid my answers are going to be quite frustrating. I don't have as much experience with the MFE as with the MBA or even the MiF. Here goes:
1. Check with the schools. I believe that if you submit your application prior to the expiration date at most schools, they will still consider it, but check with the schools individually given when you took the test. Their policies may vary.
2. I doubt it, but check with the schools. It seems to me like you're missing a semester of calc.
3. Given your engineering background, I think the finance related course would be better for you from an admissions perspective.
4. I think it will be valued somewhat from an admissions perspective mainly because the work experience you get until you matriculate will make you easier to place after you graduate and will also allow you to contribute to classroom discussion based on experience as well as lecture/text.
5. I simply don't know enough about the MFE programs to guide you on schools choice.
Best,
Linda
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Linda Abraham
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