finace & econometrics vs finance & maths (1 Viewer)

[velox]

What is better a BCom (finance/econometrics) (maybe with honours?) or a BCom(finance)/Bsc(maths). Bear in mind the later is 4 years. Which would be better if you are an aspiring trader (factor in the portability of the degree since getting a grad trading position is small).

 

[blackfriday]

er...maths/stat major, by a long way. why go for some applied stats major when you do the real thing?

 

[Affinity]

BSc sounds a bit better

 

[Rorix]

Maths no contest.

 

[velox]

BSc sounds a bit better

Thanks. Econometrics sound more applied to finance though. Not sure if I should bother with another year of uni for the bsc, when I guess you could do a masters in financial math in the same time, and have two shots at grad programs?

 

[Rorix]

If you want to work as a trader, 100% you should do maths. Only possible exception would be if you wanted to trade equities which isn't very mathematically taxing. However if you want to trade anything else, particularly derivatives, maths is the way to go.

 

[velox]

The thing is the traders I have spoken to have finance degrees. (not that I have spoken to many).

And actually what would be better? The com degree then the msc in financial maths or a bsc/bcom?

 

[§eraphim]

The degee is 2ndary as you are either born to be a trader, or your not. I suggest going to the UBS Mock Trading Game and finding out how you handle under the pressure.

I think BE (Elec) @ UNSW is actually quite a good degree for finance, since you its maths and problem-solving intensive, and you can do your thesis in electricity derivatives pricing. Also, you can pick up a bit of computing on the way so you leave uni fairly multi-skilled.

 

[Capitalist]

For trading, definitely BCom/BSc over BCom(Finance/Econometrics).

As Seraphim noted, you have to have a strong interest in financial markets and demonstrate some talent if you want a higher probability of scoring the job. The best way to do this is engage in trading games, such as the UBS one as noted, and others - ASX, JPMorgan, etc; and also having your own equity portfolio would help.

 

[CrashOveride]

you are either born to be a trader, or your not.

How so?

Good traders can be made. Psychology is the main thing.

 

[§eraphim]

How so?

Good traders can be made. Psychology is the main thing.

They can pick up the knowledge but from what I've observed, they seem to share common traits with regards to personality, motivation, etc.

 

[turtleface]

best trader = whoever can click the mouse the fastest

 

[Conspirocy]

click click click

 

[velox]

set take profits and stop losses, hence no need for clicking, or employ the use of break out trading.