Quants employed in the financial sector usually have higher degrees and Ph.D.s in demanding subjects such as physics, economics or computer science, or any of several particular mathematical specialties like multivariate calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, probability theory and statistical inference.

For success in a quant job, you'll need to be familiar with common programming languages such as C++. You should also read and understand the work of economists Myron Scholes, Fischer Black and Robert C. Merton. Scholes and Black are synonymous with options pricing theory, having developed the famous Black-Scholes equation. The model they developed provided the fundamental conceptual framework for valuing options, and is now the de facto standard in international financial markets for valuing those instruments, alongside many different types of bonds and derivatives that contain embedded options.

Beyond qualifications, many employers expect candidates for quant jobs to pass a rigorous vetting process which includes verification of references and, in a more competitive role, published research.

A quant career might have a focus on designing and trading complex structured products such as derivatives. Hedge funds also hire a large number of quants.

To handle the bulk of daily trading volume, the use of computer-driven models or algorithms to both identify and rapidly execute profitable arbitrage opportunities has expanded in the past few years. In order to continue executing trades for funds that rely on those models, broker-dealers hire quants to refine the platforms and programs that communicate orders.

Risk-focused quants also work for specialized software vendors that handle the creation and production of risk management products.

Quantitative analytics is one sector of finance where a prospective employee with a Ph.D. isn't considered overqualified, although a master's degree in one of the subjects above is sometimes enough. Unlike with MBA candidates, the quality of your university isn't always a hiring consideration. When applying for a junior quant job, it's more important to show that you have the expertise needed to succeed in the job, demonstrated through a higher degree in mathematics, economics, physics, computer science or similar subjects, the ability to program complicated financial models and excellent communication skills. Many quants also aim to pass the Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF), designed by Dr. Paul Wilmott, as another demonstration of skill.