An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a part of the tender process, the first stage where parties are invited to show their interest in the project/contract. It intends to filter a shortlist from the long list of companies that (seem to be) suitable ...
quant. n. Slang. An expert in the use of mathematics and related subjects, particularly in investment management and stock trading. [Short for quantitative .]. (kwÉnt). (kwÉnt).
Asset management firms, such as hedge funds, tend to do their recruiting in a more subtle fashion and only from the very best universities. Your position is good because you have a lot of time - and freedom - to correctly prepare for a position as a quant, if this is definitely what you want to do.