i have a CS/stats degree from a decent school (not top 5 but solid) and i've been applying to quant roles broadly. saw a few RenTech listings pop up and now i'm spiraling a bit.
everything i read says they mostly hire PhDs or people they already know. is it actually pointless to apply without a grad degree or a connection? my GPA is fine, i've done research, but nothing published. i don't want to waste time prepping for an interview style that's way beyond where i am, but i also don't want to count myself out without trying.
anyone know if they even look at undergrad applicants for software roles vs research roles? those seem like they'd be very different bars.
3 replies
careerveteran
for the SWE infrastructure/engineering roles, undergrad is absolutely fair game. those are real engineering jobs. for quant researcher positions, the PhD expectation is real, not just a cultural preference. apply to the engineering track and make sure your application materials make that distinction clear.
jp_newgrad
ok that's helpful, i wasn't distinguishing those clearly enough. will focus on the engineering roles. thanks.
ml_mike
cold applying does work for SWE roles, just not for research. i've seen people come in without connections through the normal application path. but your coding bar needs to be strong. they're not lenient on technical.