6 Best Jobs with a Master's in Quantitative Finance

Thinking of studying quantitative finance at university but not sure exactly where the programme leads? The people running Lyon's specialised quantitative finance programme are here to help, listing six of the best jobs their graduates commonly go into.

1. Risk Manager Job overview

Risk managers (or risk technicians promoted to management roles) advise organisations and businesses on any existing threats to profit, identify and assess possible threats, and develop contingency plans. Risk managers may specialise in technical risk, business continuity, markets and corporate governance (among other areas).

Salary potential

With one to six years of experience, risk managers in the US can expect to earn between US$55,300 and US$127,000, plus annual bonuses of US$1,600 to US$25,000.

2. Financial Engineer Job overview

Financial engineers provide companies with financial analysis, evaluate their products and assets, and suggest any necessary changes. They are typically employed by banks, investment firms and mutual fund companies, using their expertise in applied mathematics, statistics and information technology to help businesses thrive.

Salary potential

Career length and city have a big impact on earnings. In the US, salaries range from US$54,350 to US$117,500, with an average of US$87,000.

3. Derivatives Trader Job overview

Derivatives traders are highly specialised stock traders. Put simply, they buy and sell derivatives (financial products whose value is derived from their relationship with another asset or cash flow — for example, swaps, futures contracts, employee stock options, exchange-traded stock options). Still confused? Why not watch a short video on complex financial products?

Salary potential

With salaries in the US ranging from US$36,100 to US$131,700, plus bonuses of US$1,500 to US$60,400, derivatives traders live comfortably.

4. Asset Manager Job overview

Working in asset management, you'll be employed to manage assets on behalf of people and businesses (intellectual property, human capital, financial assets and goodwill) to generate the greatest possible returns.

Salary potential

Earnings range from US$43,600 to US$109,120, and asset managers in the US also enjoy annual bonuses of US$500 to US$24,800.

5. Fund Manager Job overview

Fund managers handle and oversee funds to maximise returns. You can work in many financial sectors, from banks or brokerages to insurance or the finance department of a large industrial group.

Salary potential

In the US, a fund manager earns around US$71,800 a year, up to as much as US$172,000, depending on performance and location.

6. Advisor Job overview

As a financial advisor, you'll offer your money management expertise and guidance to individuals and businesses, steering them towards their desired long-term goals — which can be anything from debt management to growing their investments and savings.

Salary potential

In the US, financial advisors typically earn between US$40,100 and US$107,000, plus substantial bonuses of between US$40,100 and US$20,000.

All salary estimates are from Indeed.com and PayScale.com.

Do any of these jobs sound appealing? Download a brochure on Lyon's specialised quantitative finance programme, or attend an information session.