Summary of the “Tomorrow’s Quants” Project
This text details the “Tomorrow’s Quants” project by risk.net, a multi-faceted resource aimed at both aspiring quantitative finance professionals and the institutions educating them. Here’s a breakdown of the key components and findings:
1.Employer Skill Requirements:
* Communication is Crucial: A strong ability to present research (written & verbal) is highly valued (74% “very important”). Effective communication with management, collaboration, and knowledge transfer are also key.
* Clear Writng: Universally considered an beneficial skill.
* AI Focus: While AI is growing, the average time graduates spend on AI-related projects is surprisingly low (around 20% of their time), except for firms where AI is central to their business.
2. Educational Landscape & Collaboration:
* University Partnerships: Collaborations between firms and universities (ranging from preferential recruitment to joint labs) are highly valued by both parties and benefit students.
* Program Types: A distinction is made between:
* Business Schools: Focus on model implementation.
* Quant Finance Masters: Provide a strong theoretical foundation.
* Financial Engineering: Aim to balance theory and implementation.
* Shifting Applicant Trends: Fewer candidates from India and China are targeting US programs, with increased interest in Europe and Australia.
* visa Sponsorship: A notable portion of graduate intake (60%) requires visa sponsorship, with 12% needing sponsorship for all junior hires.
3. Project components:
* Report: A survey exploring employer needs and skill expectations.
* Quantcast Master’s Series: Six podcasts featuring directors of quantitative finance master’s programs from Australia, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.
* Quant Finance Master’s Guide and Ranking (2026 Edition): An eighth edition guide providing a comprehensive overview of master’s programs globally, including a ranking based on placement rates, salaries, selectivity, and lecturer statistics. Baruch College has led the ranking for the past two editions.
Overall Goal: The project aims to be a valuable resource for both those entering the field of quantitative finance and the programs preparing them,offering insights into skills demand,program strengths,and global trends.