I’m Huzefa (IIT Bombay CSE, 2019 batch, minor in Stats), a C++ Developer with experience at Tower Research Capital for the past ~6 years, working on low-latency trading infrastructure (kernel-bypass networking, FPGA comms, multi-threaded systems, etc.).
I’ll be hosting an AMA - feel free to ask me anything about:
Quant/tech roles in HFT firms
Interview prep (C++, systems, math/CS)
Career paths, work culture, and learning in finance/infra
Or just general thoughts on growth, balance, and making big career calls
This thread will be open for questions on Oct 18th, 4 PM IST.
Looking forward to your questions — see you then!
How to start preparing for quantitative research roles at TRC, keeping in my mind that I am in first 1 year. What projects, clubs, interests should I pursue. I have very much interest in mathematics, also is coding required for roles of quantitative researcher.
How much role does ICPC play in getting a quant job, what projects and clubs should I align myself with for the role of a quant researcher. For the role of a quant researcher should I be more aligned with Mathematics or Coding.
For the role of SWE at quant companies, what projects and internships should one apply to and also what must be the timeline and career track of a 1st year undergrad student. Regarding the internships, please also tell how to apply for these
Hello sir, I’m interested in quant developer roles and wanted to ask for your guidance. How should I prepare for interviews, and which threads from C++, Operating Systems, and Computer Networks are most important? Do I also need to prepare for puzzles or aptitude-style questions? Could you please tell me which areas of network programming are relevant or important for quant developer roles?
Can you describe what your daily work looks like? Also can you suggest some projects that could help me understand what a quant dev does? Also what is the best way to break into quants off campus?
What are some highlights that recruiters look for on a resume for quant devs?
Hey, I am a 2025 CS grad from NIT Allahabad , currently working in a MNC with java as my tech stack. How difficult would it be switch to Qdev roles like with 0-2 yoe. Does my current stack not being C++ would affect my chances? Also wanted to ask which companies should I target except tower for QDev roles which hire Non-IItians. Preparation wise I am doing projects in C++ , also following bequant.dev for their resources. Any additional tips you want to add. Thanks
Hey, I’m a second yr CS student at IITM. I wanna eventually work as a developer in a quant company. Would you suggest quant related or any other cpp projects to improve my skills? Also, could you pls give some useful tips that helped you land your intern?
What do you think the future of this field looks like? I am talking about risks like govt cracking down on these “standard arbitrage practices” and retail traders complaining about what hft companies do being unfair and stuff?
Hi Huzefa! I’m a theoretical physics PhD student with ~15 years of programming experience including C++, Python, high-performance computing (parallel simulations, Linux clusters), handling large datasets, and using Git for version control.
I recently came across quantitative finance and HFT, I don’t know much about the different types of roles yet, but I’m very interested in exploring whether someone with my background could transition into this field.
Given your experience, what kind of roles (if any) would someone like me be a good fit for — and what technical gaps should I focus on closing first?
Hello Sir , I’m studying Mathematics and Computing at IIT (final year) and have been covering core CS threads like OS, C++, and Networks on my own. From your experience, do quant firms usually treat this background on par with CS for developer roles, or is there still a hiring preference toward core CS majors? Also, what additional skills or areas would you recommend I focus on to close any remaining gaps?
I want to get started with fpga development. I have few ultra low latency fpga but I have no idea how to program them given I am from CSE background. All i can do is use solarflare or some dpdlk, what roadmap would u suggest
I have some cisco nexus and xilinx ul series ultra low latency fpga,
But all i do with them is just bypass kernel
I’ve observed that it is much easier to get a “taste” for QR and QT roles, atleast in my IIT. Trade-athons, Data Challenges and even Inter-IIT see to that. I have not experienced any such event that gives such a idea for software dev. What is a good way to get such a hands-on for QD?
Hey! Are there any roles for Deep Learning and Hardware engineers? like FPGA? are they also lucrative as well?
And is the interview process for most of the roles similar, like we need to be good with DSA, CF stuff?
What kind of research opportunities — particularly niche areas — become available after working for 1–2 years in C++ dev/QD roles at such firms? Also, how difficult is it to switch domains later on, for instance by pursuing an MS in AI-related fields or joining AI/ML startups, assuming you’ve done some ML/DL projects during college? Does the corporate experience from such roles add value or help in making that transition?
Hello sir, what projects and internships would you suggest doing for the roles of quantitative developer. I also wanted to ask how to get internships that align with my goal of quantitative developer. Also please let me know how to crack them
This thread will be open for questions on Oct 18th, 4 PM IST.