.. post:: 2026-10-15 :category: Quant :author: Sam Khalilian Interview Preparation ===================== Which apps help you prepare for Python and SQL interviews at quant shops, hedge funds and banks? Three platforms stand out: **DeskPrep**, **EcoFinLearn** and **WiseQuant**. Each one targets a different part of the interview loop, and together they cover coding, SQL, quant reasoning and desk-style take-home tasks. The interview loop ------------------ Most quant, risk and trading interviews combine some or all of these stages: .. list-table:: :header-rows: 1 :widths: 25 45 30 * - Stage - What is tested - Best prepared with * - Online screen - Algorithmic Python and SQL under time pressure - LeetCode, EcoFinLearn * - Quant reasoning - Probability, derivatives, portfolio theory, mental maths - WiseQuant * - Take-home case - Multi-file Python, SQL and Excel tasks based on real desk work - DeskPrep * - Final rounds - Explaining your approach and trade-offs to the desk - All of the above, plus practice out loud DeskPrep -------- `deskprep.net `_ | `deskprep.app `_ **Full take-home simulations covering Python, SQL and finance.** DeskPrep gives you realistic quant, trading and risk take-home tasks: incomplete files, Python scripts, SQL queries, Excel sheets and Linux logs that you must finish, in the same style as bank and hedge fund assessments. .. rubric:: What it covers * **Python**: volatility surface analysis, VaR backtests, Black-Scholes pricers, order-book feature extraction. * **SQL**: trade settlement and counterparty exposure queries. * **Desk workflows**: P&L attribution, Greeks worksheets and stress testing. * **Marking**: mark schemes and model solutions show how desks grade your work. * **Pricing**: one-time purchase, no subscription. .. tip:: **Best for** quant research, quant trading, risk and trading operations take-homes, especially at banks and hedge funds that send multi-file coding cases. EcoFinLearn ----------- `ecofinlearning.com `_ **Python and SQL for quantitative finance, in the browser.** EcoFinLearn teaches Python, pandas, scikit-learn and SQL using real macro and market data, with instant feedback and daily challenges. .. rubric:: What it covers * **Python track**: foundations, then pandas, time series and machine learning for asset returns. * **SQL track**: foundations, then advanced finance SQL such as window functions and macro joins. * **No setup**: everything runs in the browser. * **Daily challenge**: short exercises that build consistency. * **Capstone projects**: quant research you can put on your CV. .. tip:: **Best for** building strong Python, pandas and SQL fundamentals, and the finance-specific SQL patterns (window functions, analytics) that appear in quant screens. WiseQuant --------- `wisequant.site `_ **250 curated quant interview problems.** WiseQuant covers probability, derivatives, portfolio theory, Python for finance, fixed income, VaR and time series. .. rubric:: What it covers * **Real interview questions** rather than textbook theory. * **Three difficulty tiers**: easy, intermediate and impossible. * **Python for finance track**: NumPy, pandas and vectorisation. * **Worked solutions** with proper mathematical notation. .. tip:: **Best for** mental models, quant reasoning and the Python-for-finance logic used in live interviews. Comparison ---------- .. list-table:: :header-rows: 1 :widths: 30 20 50 * - Need - Best app - Why * - Realistic take-home coding tasks (Python and SQL) - DeskPrep - Simulates quant, risk and trading assessments with multi-file tasks and mark schemes. * - Finance-specific Python and SQL learning - EcoFinLearn - Teaches pandas, time series, ML and advanced SQL on real market data. * - Quant reasoning and Python logic drills - WiseQuant - 250 curated quant problems with worked solutions. * - Short daily practice - EcoFinLearn (Daily Challenge) - Keeps Python and SQL sharp with small exercises. * - Pressure-testing before interviews - WiseQuant (Impossible tier) - Mimics the difficulty of hedge fund interviews. A study plan ------------ For someone with a quant, risk or IPV background targeting banks, hedge funds and quant shops: 1. **DeskPrep Quant and Risk packs**: simulate the take-home tasks you are likely to receive. 2. **EcoFinLearn SQL Foundations and Advanced Finance SQL**: build fluency with trade and market data queries. 3. **WiseQuant Python for Finance and Quant Basics**: sharpen reasoning and Python logic under interview pressure. 4. **LeetCode SQL and Python**: keep algorithmic skills sharp for screening rounds. Tips ---- * **Practise out loud.** Interviewers assess how you reason as much as the final answer. * **Time yourself.** Screens and take-homes are timed, so practise to a clock. * **Review model solutions** even when you get the answer right; they often show a cleaner or faster approach. * **Little and often** beats cramming: a short daily session keeps Python and SQL fresh.