2018 Career Trajectories Panel Discussion: Opportunities for Physicists in Finance and Data

The panel, moderated by Amy, discusses the transition from physics to various careers in finance and data. It features two physicists, one from the Royal Bank of Canada and another from Scotiabank, who share their personal journeys. They explain how they left physics, their experiences in academia, and how they found their way into the financial sector. The discussion highlights the importance of problem-solving skills, which are transferable from physics to finance, and the natural progression they felt in their career shifts.

The panelist from Scotiabank shares his academic background in physics and how he transitioned into risk management within the financial industry. Initially set on a career in physics, he pursued undergraduate and graduate studies, followed by postdoctoral research in quantum information. However, the academic job market led him to explore opportunities in finance. His interest in the financial crisis and the desire to understand its causes motivated him to move into the banking sector. He emphasizes the collaborative environment in finance and the opportunity to influence regulatory changes.

The panelist from the Royal Bank of Canada discusses his transition from a postdoc in quantum physics to a data scientist role at RBC. He talks about his interest in machine learning and data science, which led him to teach himself Python and machine learning. He also shares his experience of leading a team within the data side of the bank. The conversation highlights the cultural shift from academia to a corporate environment and the importance of adapting to a more flexible and innovative work culture, similar to that of a tech start-up.

Both panelists share their experiences of the collaborative and less competitive nature of the finance industry compared to academia. They discuss the supportive environment within banks, where success is driven by teamwork and innovation. The conversation also touches on the importance of networking and the value of an MBA in providing management skills and business perspectives that are beneficial in a corporate setting.

The panelists explore the impact they can have in the finance sector, from contributing to international financial regulations to driving research in areas like deep learning. They discuss how, despite being in a for-profit industry, there are opportunities to make a positive impact on society and drive advancements in technology and research.

The panelists discuss the challenges they faced when transitioning from an academic background to the corporate world of finance. They talk about the need to balance the pursuit of personal goals with the demands of a for-profit industry. The conversation also addresses the misconceptions about the nature of work in finance and the reality of a collaborative and problem-solving focused environment.

The panelists identify the key skills that are often lacking in students transitioning into finance, such as soft skills, communication, and time management. They emphasize the importance of being able to learn quickly and adapt to new situations, as well as the ability to network and collaborate effectively within a team.

The panelists provide advice on how to make the transition from physics to a career in finance. They stress the importance of networking, understanding the language and thought processes of data scientists, and identifying specific teams within companies that align with one's interests. They also discuss the value of an MBA in providing a structured learning environment and networking opportunities.