Career advice

[Alexander the Straight]

My kid is about to complete her degree at Wits this year, BSc majoring in Mathematics and Finance.

Just wanted to tap into the "community knowledge bank" to get any advice as to how she should go about getting that first job.

She's in Jhb and wants to work there as well (kind of sad about that). But Durban is an option as well.

If anyone could recommend specific companies or even positions(titles) that she should be looking out for, that would be much appreciated.

 

[cguy]

A key aspect is whether or not she has done a good amount of programming during her degree (or independently)? Specifically, languages like Python, R and MATLAB.

If so, roles such as Data Scientist may be appropriate and also Quantitative Researcher/Analyst/Developer (investment banking and trading industries).

 

[Alexander the Straight]

A key aspect is whether or not she has done a good amount of programming during her degree (or independently)? Specifically, languages like Python, R and MATLAB.

If so, roles such as Data Scientist may be appropriate and also Quantitative Researcher/Analyst/Developer (investment banking and trading industries).

Thanks for that, Unfortunately she has not, it does seem like that might work against her and might be worth addressing.

 

[cguy]

Thanks for that, Unfortunately she has not, it does seem like that might work against her and might be worth addressing.

Definitely. I was a dual CS and Maths major. Those doing just maths either learned to write code or did something complexly unrelated to their degree (usually not too glamorous).

Almost everything you “do” with maths requires coding. When combined with coding it’s actually very advantageous, since most programmers don’t have the maths chops to do a lot of the most lucrative work there. This also means that she doesn’t have to get to “CS major“ level to be employable, since her maths skills can compensate to some degree.

Alternatively, she can lean on the finance side of her qualifications, and look for roles, such as Analyst at investment banks, which will be more about fundamentals analysis and research.

 

[Alexander the Straight]

Definitely. I was a dual CS and Maths major. Those doing just maths either learned to write code or did something complexly unrelated to their degree (usually not too glamorous).

Almost everything you “do” with maths requires coding. When combined with coding it’s actually very advantageous, since most programmers don’t have the maths chops to do a lot of the most lucrative work there. This also means that she doesn’t have to get to “CS major“ level to be employable, since her maths skills can compensate to some degree.

Alternatively, she can lean on the finance side of her qualifications, and look for roles, such as Analyst at investment banks, which will be more about fundamentals analysis and research.

Exactly the kind of information I was hoping to get. Much appreciated.

 

[Jehosefat]

Thanks for that, Unfortunately she has not, it does seem like that might work against her and might be worth addressing.

Yeah, not being able to code will be a big hinderance in most "mathematical" roles in the finance/banking industry. As cguy said, any application of maths in business is almost always code based. Doing stats is also a bonus.

Specific companies would be any of the banks, any of the big audit firms, asset managers (although these are generally based in Cape Town) etc.

 

[Ecco]

My kid is about to complete her degree at Wits this year, BSc majoring in Mathematics and Finance.

Just wanted to tap into the "community knowledge bank" to get any advice as to how she should go about getting that first job.

She's in Jhb and wants to work there as well (kind of sad about that). But Durban is an option as well.

If anyone could recommend specific companies or even positions(titles) that she should be looking out for, that would be much appreciated.

I would say find Graduate programmes at any of the big banks or financial services companies - her finance knowledge (combined with the maths) will take far at these institutions.

 

[hellfire]

I would say find Graduate programmes at any of the big banks or financial services companies - her finance knowledge (combined with the maths) will take far at these institutions.

this is a good option