Breaking the “Quant Jock” Stereotype

Women, let’s rock the boat in Quantitative Analytics. Mostly known as a field for “Quant Jocks,” this financial sector is yearning for female professionals. In capital markets, where women have been traditionally underrepresented, this is one career where we have been dealt the upper hand.

Quantitative Analytics, or “quant” to those in the know, is defined as the process of determining the value of a security by examining its numerical, measurable characteristics such as revenues, earnings, margins, and market share. This mathematics –heavy discipline often relies on complex computer-driven algorithms to analyze investments and generate an investment strategy.

Scott Gerson of Focus Capital, an Executive Search firm for the IT sector of the financial industry, believes that if women have the same credentials as men, women will get quant jobs over their male counterparts, due to the lack of diversity in the hedge fund world. Scott estimates that 20% of the consultants he places in quant jobs are female. With the intellectual challenges, fast-paced environment and opportunities for advancement; I wondered why more women weren’t pursuing this aspect of finance.

According to an article published by the College Journal, Men Do Numbers Women Do Strategy; it’s the fear of math that’s holding women back from entering quantitative fields. Women are hesitant of the heavy math load involved in quantitative analysis. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal attributes the lack of women in MBA programs to the same reason.

Math can look as scary as a vampire on Halloween, I agree. But remember long division and the excitement of getting the right answer? If you have the capital markets knowledge but are nervous about your mathematical skills, here are some expert recommendations to move forward with a quant career.

The Forte Foundation, an organization that prepares women for business school and professional careers, advises that women should emphasize mathematical studies at the undergraduate level.

Women also need to work on acknowledging their accomplishments, instead of being overly modest.

Sue Kloss, a graduate of Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management says, “Often, women can do as good work on quantitative projects as men, but they’re shy about selling their abilities.”

Also, try to find a mentor. Someone to look up to when you get frustrated will be helpful. However; this industry has few female role models so be prepared for the challenge of seeking one out, and be willing to identify a male mentor as well.

Overall, well-qualified women applicants do have the advantage in quant, due to their under-representation in the field. It’s one of few sectors where women are less likely to be discriminated against. None of your male colleagues will be able to question your performance because numbers don’t lie. Also, because there are so few females, women may have more success marketing their services to women investors.

Are you interested? If you can program and have a background in mathematics, science or finance, leave your comments below. Maybe we can help….