Prop Trading vs. Software

involution · Post by **involution** » Wed Nov 04, 2015 11:39 am

you would be surprised at how many college students cannot solve simple problems in an interview even if they learned the concepts in game theory 101

Maggette · Post by **Maggette** » Wed Nov 04, 2015 11:59 am

I honestly don't think that game theory really applies to prop trading in a practical way.

involution, could you please elaborate on how a deeper undestanding of game theory would help beyond generic and rather philosphical ideas?

Thanks

involution · Post by **involution** » Wed Nov 04, 2015 12:12 pm

I don't think a deep understanding of game theory is helpful for trading, but many of the brain teasers in interviews involve the basics or related ideas

Maggette · Post by **Maggette** » Wed Nov 04, 2015 4:08 pm

Ok. Thx

Lebowski · Post by **Lebowski** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 4:48 pm

@involution, thanks for your feedback. If there's one area of math that I can consistently hold my own in, it's probably linear algebra. I wouldn't claim to be amazing at it, but eigenvectors and stuff has always been a strong point for me. At my school, it's pretty much impossible to take game theory without being an Econ major, but it's always been an interest that I'd like to follow through with learning and I could see how it could be helpful for interviews. I may take a couple coursera classes to pick up the basics of some of the ideas. I'll be honest with you though, I have enough trouble with mental math. Some people can just do two digit multiplication and long division in their heads. I don't think I'm one of them at this juncture.

A more general note to the participants of this thread. Thanks all for your input, I have taken a day or so to digest what's been said, and I think a good way to look at it is basically just "go balls out at whatever you do." If I wanna go do software, do software to the best of my abilities. If I wanna trade, go find a firm that will teach me instead of going it alone. I can't tell you why I was so dismissive of this option in the past, but maybe a "quant dev" esque role would be a good way for me to get started. Whatever I end up doing, i appreciate the input. Thanks to all.

TSWP · Post by **TSWP** » Thu Nov 05, 2015 5:28 pm

>"go balls out at whatever you do."

I think most people here was just trying to suggest you that, some people has given you very precious advice. I wish you success.