<p>I aspire to be a quantitative analyst or trader. Before you say that is too narrow, consider that there are many jobs under this umbrella: derivatives traders, portfolio managers, risk analysts, exotic derivatives traders, prop traders, and the list goes on for the buy-side and sell-side. This field requires a very diverse set of skills, which include proficiency in advanced programming, knowing advanced statistical/mathematical models, and knowing how to apply them effectively to investments and securities industry. Which school and program here at Cornell would best fit my interests?</p>
<p>AEM, I would assume. </p>
<p>^ I disagree. OP should opt for an operations research major in engineering.</p>
<p>Quant and trading roles these days are highly technical these days; almost every job posting I’ve seen require some programming background.</p>
<p>As rgh3rd mentioned, ORIE is not a bad option. I personally think CS would probably be the practical choice, but keep in mind your undergrad choice will not make/break you getting that particular career; I’ve heard of many liberal arts majors getting jobs in these areas given their selective coursework and past experiences. For the very pure quant roles, physics is amongst the most popular backgrounds along with math. </p>
<p>CS has courses such as numerical analysis, machine learning, and all the programming you’ll need/foundations for you to learn more. </p>
<p>ORIE has a graduate curriculum in financial engineering, which is specifically geared towards careers like quants/traders. Its undergrad courses also focus on probability/statistics, a key component to this area. </p>
<p>Math, while I can’t think of a specific course related to finance, might be very theoretical but will most likely provide you the necessary quantitative background. </p>
<p>Physics/AEP, similar to math. </p>
<p>Math/Econ can work as well. I know a friend who was dead set at one point on this career and tried to do a Math/Econ/CS combination (double-triple majoring is NOT necessary). In the end though, I can assure you as long as you take the certain right courses and get experience (whether it’d be through clubs, intern/externships), you don’t have to stress too much about which school/major to pick. </p>
<p>tldr; Probably A&S or Engineering. (In no particular order) CS, ORIE, AEP, Physics, Math, etc can’t go wrong.</p>
<p>Edit: Added a few course examples</p>
<p>I would also consider the Policy Analysis and Management major (PAM) in the College of Human Ecology here at Cornell. It’s a great mixture of economics, statistics, analysis etc. My friend is in this major, and she aspires to potentially pursue a career in analysis. It might be exactly what you’re looking for.</p>
<p>Aaron
Cornell Class of 2017</p>