This thread is for newbies to the derivatives/option market who are wondering how to evolve in this field, and sometimes feel that they lack the quant background...

I have a confession to make – I’m a self-taught quant. unfortunately I found my passion for quant finance during

the 2nd year of my B.A in Eco, after I got hired by a Fintech company that specialized in option pricing modules

As I got drawn into this amazing world of derivatives, I soon realized that I lack the ability to understand technical/modeling papers…

At that point I had two options – 1. Drop out of Eco, wait a year and start CS/math, 2. Give up on my desire to advance in the world of derivatives modeling

Well, I chose option #3 – I decided to teach myself math/stats to a level where I can read,

understand, and implement quantitative models.

So I started… I took the curriculum of BS in math and learned each and every course in that curriculum (while completing my Eco BA, working, and taking care of a newborn baby). It was the most difficult I’ve ever done,

but it was so worth it…

Every course that I took was out of passion, I learned to code in three different languages, I developed a huge set of skills that students in the academia usually don’t appreciate.

I like to think that I’m a practical quant. As a practical quant you try to keep your knowledge base and focus very narrow (in the local environment/short time frame), as widening the scope of learning will get you lost in a sea of information and theories

The best way to go about this type of learning is to map a subject/paper/model and build a curriculum accordingly, so after you learn you know both the subject and relative theories.

This is what keeps my passion to derivatives burning… I’m in a constant learning mode,

and every time I come across a puzzle I need to solve, I end up learning something new…

I guess hard work and persistence can make up for lack of academic background...

Feel free to share your thoughts and spread the word to these who are seeking some guidance...