Credentials

[ppperkins]

My background is primarily in software development and management consulting and I'm looking to make a career shift into trading. I've spent the last few months studying for the CMT, but I've yet to meet a trader that has heard of it (mta.org if you are curious). I learned a lot in the beginning, but I'm starting to feel a diminished return on my time. Does this credential carry any weight?

What can I do to make myself attractive to a prop firm and get tied into the trading community better?

[MrPaul]

	Quote:	ppperkins
	My background is primarily in software development and management consulting and I'm looking to make a career shift into trading. I've spent the last few months studying for the CMT, but I've yet to meet a trader that has heard of it (mta.org if you are curious). I learned a lot in the beginning, but I'm starting to feel a diminished return on my time. Does this credential carry any weight? What can I do to make myself attractive to a prop firm and get tied into the trading community better?

What exactly is your objective? Just to make yourself attractive to a prop firm? the CMT imo means less than series 7 and a solid track record, but im sure opinions will differ.

[brownsfan019]

I think the CMT is a nice idea for later in your trading career, if it's needed. I'm not sure how much weight it carries with prop firms, but I could see hedge funds, i-banks, etc. putting more weight on it. It just depends what the long-term goal here is. If it's to trade prop and eventually just trade your own money, it's more of a prestige/education thing in my opinion. If the goal is to work for Goldman in their managed funds, this could be an important designation.

My best guess w/o knowing more is that you do not need this right now. Not to say you won't want or need this later, but if the goal is to trade, you need to study real-time trading sooner or later, not book theories.

[Reaver]

Hmmm good question....no degrees are necessary for self directed traidng though....just the way I like it. LOL

[ppperkins]

I decided to bite the bullet and go for masters degree that focuses on quantitative modeling. I've spent a lot of time reviewing posts on the website. It's been very informative. Thanks for the advice.

[OAC]

	Quote:	ppperkins
	I decided to bite the bullet and go for masters degree that focuses on quantitative modeling. I've spent a lot of time reviewing posts on the website. It's been very informative. Thanks for the advice.

Big Wall Street firms have a lot of money to spend for Quant talents. I think a PHD would even be better. But bear in mind, you guys are no match for us discretionary traders.

[Reaver]

	Quote:	OAC
	Big Wall Street firms have a lot of money to spend for Quant talents. I think a PHD would even be better. But bear in mind, you guys are no match for us discretionary traders.

LOL I actually just finished re-reading the discretionary vs system thread a second ago.