Quant application tips from an incoming BlackRock analyst

In sending out applications, I used the LSESU, Kings M&A, and Bristol trackers, as well as having my own list of companies to apply to and checking their websites at regular intervals.

I placed importance on making sure that my applications were of good quality to ensure that I passed the initial screenings, and tried to make sure my cover letter was as sincere and personal (but still professional) as possible.

Fitting it around studies was not easy, and I recommend doing as many as possible during the summer.

In sending out applications, I used the LSESU, Kings M&A, and Bristol trackers, as well as having my own list of companies to apply to and checking their websites at regular intervals.

I placed importance on making sure that my applications were of good quality to ensure that I passed the initial screenings, and tried to make sure my cover letter was as sincere and personal (but still professional) as possible.

Fitting it around studies was not easy, and I recommend doing as many as possible during the summer.

For people aspiring to get into quant finance, I think it is important to know that quant finance is becoming just as broad as other areas of finance, and therefore there are many different roles.

I think learning the difference between roles like quant trading, quant research, quantitative portfolio or asset management, quantitative risk, etc. is paramount to succeeding during the application process, in the same way it is in other roles in finance.

Also, interviewers tend to be very impressed with students that have proactively learnt and applied quantitative techniques in finance, and this gives some great talking points during interviews and assessment centres.

For people aspiring to get into quant finance, I think it is important to know that quant finance is becoming just as broad as other areas of finance, and therefore there are many different roles.

I think learning the difference between roles like quant trading, quant research, quantitative portfolio or asset management, quantitative risk, etc. is paramount to succeeding during the application process, in the same way it is in other roles in finance.

Also, interviewers tend to be very impressed with students that have proactively learnt and applied quantitative techniques in finance, and this gives some great talking points during interviews and assessment centres.

As for quant interviews specifically, I think too much focus is placed on learning how to do the technical questions. While this is important, I think it is better to try to practice your problem solving skills and articulating your thought processes. I had interviews where I got the answer correct relatively easily and still didn’t pass onto the next stage.

It is also important to just be yourself and portray yourself as someone that people would actually want to work with. My way of doing this was making well timed jokes and comments during the assessment centres, I don’t recommend this approach for everyone but it worked for me.

Additionally, making sure to always be honest about not knowing the answer to a question or how to do it, and then giving it a go anyway is something I feel set me apart from other applicants.

As for quant interviews specifically, I think too much focus is placed on learning how to do the technical questions. While this is important, I think it is better to try to practice your problem solving skills and articulating your thought processes. I had interviews where I got the answer correct relatively easily and still didn’t pass onto the next stage.

It is also important to just be yourself and portray yourself as someone that people would actually want to work with. My way of doing this was making well timed jokes and comments during the assessment centres, I don’t recommend this approach for everyone but it worked for me.

Additionally, making sure to always be honest about not knowing the answer to a question or how to do it, and then giving it a go anyway is something I feel set me apart from other applicants.

I think the most important part of the programme for me was the quant simulation, as this allowed me to showcase my skills in this area. I also came in the top 5 in this area which definitely served to set me apart from other applicants when applying for internships.

Additionally, I think the best part of getting to know AmplifyME overall was that I got to meet many likeminded people and gain valuable connections.

Having the AmplifyME team as connections has been super helpful in my journey, as I can always ask them any questions I may have. They have also gotten me connected with people from all sorts of different firms, which has allowed me to get to know these companies in a more personal way which helped in my applications.

I think the most important part of the programme for me was the quant simulation, as this allowed me to showcase my skills in this area. I also came in the top 5 in this area which definitely served to set me apart from other applicants when applying for internships.

Additionally, I think the best part of getting to know AmplifyME overall was that I got to meet many likeminded people and gain valuable connections.

Having the AmplifyME team as connections has been super helpful in my journey, as I can always ask them any questions I may have. They have also gotten me connected with people from all sorts of different firms, which has allowed me to get to know these companies in a more personal way which helped in my applications.