^ I completed the CQF this year (I’ve had the CFA charter for awhile as well). The course goes way beyond the material in the recommended texts and then there is the life long learning components. For instance, there is a whole module on credit instruments which the 3-Volume Wilmott texts do not approach. Much more than a ‘seminar’; any semblance of a social life will evaporate for around 8-9 months (yes, that’s correct; the course work is longer than the posted 6 months since you have maths pre-course preparation and a final project beyond the tutorials).
^ I completed the CQF this year (I’ve had the CFA charter for awhile as well). I am also considering the CQF but am not sure if it will make a huge difference in my career path. I have been wanting to get into Quant Finance and think this certification will be a good way to get into this field. Can you please advise if there are any obvious advantages of doing the CQF jobs wise…
Most likely won’t land you a ‘real’ quant job but niether will most MFEs; nowadays that work requires a quantitative based PhD - if you have a PhD (which you could probably be competitive for a quant job in the first place), it may differentiate you. If you have extensive programming experience in C++, C#, Java then it can be of substantial benefit. CQF can lead to more quanty paths -> risk management, quantitative trading (mostly derivatives but there is some HFT and time series stuff), structuring. The CQF gives a good preliminary grounding with life long learning; it develops a base which you WILL require further independent study. It a mixed bag from employers; strong in the UK, growing in the US (NYC). Does it add benefit to the CV? - yes but to what extent is based on your previous background. Personally, I haven’t looked for a new job. My company paid a fair amount and I did it since we deal with a fair amount of quants (and out of personal interest).