Quants working in the financial sector most likely have advanced degrees and PhDs in disciplines such as physics, economics and computer science, or any of several mathematical specialties such as multivariate calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, probability theory and statistical inference.

To succeed in a career in quants, you need to be familiar with widely used programming languages such as C++ as well as knowing the work of economists Myron Scholes, Fischer Black and Robert C. Merton. Scholes and Black are synonymous with options pricing theory, having developed the famous Black-Scholes equation. Their model provided the fundamental conceptual framework for valuing options, and has become the de facto standard in the world's financial markets for valuing those instruments, along with many types of bonds and derivatives that contain embedded options.

Alongside having advanced degrees, many employers require prospective quants to pass a rigorous vetting process that includes verification of references and, ideally, published research.

Quant careers may focus on designing and trading complex structured products such as derivatives as well as having a number of opportunities to work in hedge funds.

To account of the bulk of daily trading volume, the use of computer-driven models or algorithms to both identify and rapidly execute profitable arbitrage opportunities has grown rapidly in recent years. To continue executing trades for funds that rely on those models, broker-dealers recruit quants to refine the platforms that communicate orders.

Risk-focused quants also work for specialised software vendors that create and produce risk management products.

Quantitative analytics is one area where a candidate with a doctorate isn't considered to be overqualified, although a master's degree in the appropriate discipline can sometimes suffice. When seeking a junior quant job, it's more important to demonstrate you have the skills needed to succeed in the job such as an advanced degree in mathematics, economics, physics, computer science or similar disciplines, an ability to program complex financial models, and good communication skills. Therefore the pedigree of your university isn't deemed as important as in other professions. Many quants pass the Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF) designed by Dr Paul Wilmott.