Hey everyone,
I'm hoping to get some honest perspectives and career advice from people who are currently working in quant finance or have experience in the field.
I'm 25 years old, and I feel like I'm starting from scratch academically. I've spent most of my early twenties exploring different fields, trying to figure out what I actually want to do with my life and what genuinely interests me.
For some additional context, I was diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive type, previously known as ADD) within the past year. The diagnosis has helped me better understand some of the difficulties I've experienced growing up, particularly when it comes to figuring out what I want to pursue, understanding my own interests, and finding a sense of direction. and lack of motivation/interest..
I'm now about to start a two-year Higher Preparatory Examination (HF) program in Europe, which will give me the opportunity to qualify for university admission. My current plan is to pursue a bachelor's degree in mathematics, which would take another three years, potentially followed by a master's degree.
However, here's where my doubts come in.
I've never been particularly good at school. Growing up, I never considered myself smart or academically gifted. Quite the opposite, actually. I've always struggled with subjects like mathematics and physics, and for a long time, I genuinely believed I just wasn't intelligent enough.
But something has changed over the past few years, and I'm honestly not entirely sure why.
I've developed this enormous curiosity and desire to learn. I find myself becoming interested in almost everything, and whenever I discover a new subject, I want to understand it as deeply as possible. Whether it's computer science, mathematics, technology, finance, or something completely unrelated, I genuinely enjoy exploring how things work and why they work the way they do.
It's a strange feeling because I never used to see myself as someone who enjoyed studying or learning. Now, discovering something new and finally understanding a difficult concept can feel incredibly rewarding.
That curiosity has also led me to develop a strong interest in quantitative finance, particularly the combination of mathematics, computer science, and financial markets.
But I'm also trying to be realistic with myself.
By the time I finish my bachelor's degree, I'll be around 30, and potentially 32 or older if I pursue a master's degree. On top of that, I don't exactly have a strong academic track record to look back on, especially when it comes to mathematics.
So I guess my questions are: Am I being unrealistic about pursuing a career in quant finance at this stage of my life? Can someone who previously struggled academically, particularly with mathematics, realistically develop the skills needed for such a demanding field? And how much does starting later in life actually matter?
I'm not looking for reassurance or someone to tell me that anything is possible if I just believe in myself. I understand how competitive this field is, and I'd genuinely appreciate honest, realistic advice, even if it's not what I want to hear.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.