what's the best approach

Martingale · Post by **Martingale** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 8:47 pm

This is not exactly the case for me(yet), but let's say you have several route to choose:

a). IB, pricing and analytics FI( not a great IB in name), should be close to desks.

b). Some bank, a quantitative developper, sit on some desk, (not a great name bank either)

c). Some bank, a quatitative developper, in IT, involved with desks.(probably a better name in some sense)

Now what are the pros and cons? For people like me, is the exact job that I do matters most or a "better name bank" where you can transfer later(is it possible). I think I am trying to getting into some quantitative trading role later in my career.

Happy New Year!

Anthis · Post by **Anthis** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 9:31 pm

a or b.

Should be closer to the action. Wink

TonyC · Post by **TonyC** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 10:42 pm

take it from a guy that had to leave first boston in order to land a trading job

avoid IT

Martingale · Post by **Martingale** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 11:06 pm

I hear ya, dude, where's my job? Wink

JabairuStork · Post by **JabairuStork** » Mon Dec 27, 2004 11:40 pm

Here's my advice:

An IT job at goldman is still not going to get you a trading job at Couzinhumperz capital. If you are looking to make a move within the same basic area, then name brand is key. If you are looking to cross from something like IT over to trading, then you are better off in a position that gets you closer to your desired function, even at a less respected name. A smaller bank may even be better in this sense, because it is harder for them to attract outside talent and therefore they are more willing to look internally.

dadeto · Post by **dadeto** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 7:08 am

Martingale,

I agree with what has been said and I'd add that the team you work for/with is also a variable to take into account in the equation. IMHO, it is important you like and respect the people you'll spend 3/4 of your time with. But that's only me...

JamesH83 · Post by **JamesH83** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 4:04 pm

why does everyone want trading jobs so bad anyway? i thought they were easier to get than quant jobs?

Martingale · Post by **Martingale** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 6:26 pm

Thanks for your thoughts. JamesH, I'm just trying to get closer to trading, since that way I think it will benifit in the long run.

JamesH83 · Post by **JamesH83** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 6:30 pm

thats fair enough. personally id much rather be in trading. it seems A and B are your best options because these would give you more exposure to the trading side than C, and the stuff you would learn would be way more applicable in trading.

Martingale · Post by **Martingale** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 6:31 pm

How can a mice say no to such an evil cat? Big Smile