Should make a move in the early stage?(TLDR)
currently a junior at BB, in systematic trading desk. Our desk is among the top ones among the street in this field, and the background of this work is intellectually stimulating, and has great exit opps to HF as well. The problem is, that doesn't really applies to my case...yet. More than half of my job is doing the development works, while research/trading is only like..30% of the whole work, though I do like to code, I don't want it to be my bread and butter of the works, rather use coding as the tool for quant research/trading idea generation. Worst thing is, I have a feeling that I'm not building good relationship with my manager as well...
I recently got approached by other bank, which is quite known for being competitive on Automated Market making on equities(covering options/etf/futures), whether I'd like to interview for this role. What sounded appealing was their role,/team lead's background/that they have dedicated tech teams so I can focus on idea generation.
Somethings I'm worried about:
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The name value of the bank: it's is quite a big name overall, but like 2nd tier bank, so lower name value than my current job.. I know what matters for traders is what the bank is actually good at, and this bank is good at this, but does that really matter for juniors as well? I had FT offer from 3 tier prop shops(tier similar to tibra/belvedere..etc) but thought maybe it's good to have solid name especially in my early career that's why I joined BB. interviewing this would contradict my initial value?
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Our desk is already on top player, (we are systematic but not exactly a market maker, while bit similar to their model), would it be worth it to move? Would this situation..getting stuck on dev ops role become better..hopefully with some patience?
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Know that this is a very small industry, and it is highly possible that my manager would get to know that I interviewed for another job even at this early stage, which I think would have serious consequence later in this firm. Would it be worth taking the risk to go through long interview process?
Any insights would be appreciated. Thanks.
Navigating a career in systematic trading and quant research can indeed present a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Based on the most helpful WSO content and insights from individuals who have faced similar dilemmas, here are some considerations to help guide your decision:
Bank's Reputation vs. Role Suitability: While the prestige of a top-tier bank can be beneficial early in your career, the specific role and team you're part of often have a more direct impact on your job satisfaction and professional growth. If the new role at the second-tier bank allows you to focus more on quant research and trading idea generation, which aligns better with your career aspirations, this could outweigh the benefits of staying at a more prestigious bank but not doing the work you love. Remember, in the niche field of systematic trading and automated market making, the quality of your work and the innovations you contribute can significantly enhance your reputation in the industry.
Current Role vs. Potential Growth: If your current role is heavily skewed towards development work and you feel that it's not leveraging your full potential or aligning with your career goals, it's worth considering a move. Staying in a role where you're not fully engaged or growing can lead to stagnation. However, it's also important to weigh this against the potential for growth and role evolution within your current team. Sometimes, expressing your career aspirations and seeking additional responsibilities can lead to a more fulfilling role without needing to switch companies.
Risk of Interviewing Elsewhere: The concern about your manager finding out about your interviews is valid, especially in a small industry. However, it's also common for professionals to explore opportunities to ensure they're in the best possible role for their career growth. If you decide to proceed with the interview, be discreet and professional, ensuring that your job search doesn't interfere with your current responsibilities. It's a risk, but one that many find worth taking to advance their careers.
Ultimately, the decision to stay or move should be based on where you see the best opportunity for growth, learning, and alignment with your career goals. It's also worth considering the long-term trajectory of both roles and how they fit into your broader career aspirations in systematic trading and quant research. Networking with professionals in both your current and potential future roles can provide additional insights and help you make a more informed decision.
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/qa-i-hate-my-banking-job-most-likely-transferring-to-back-office?customgpt=1, Banking vs. The Buy-side: 10.5 considerations, Banking -> Startup PM on who SHOULD join IB, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/trading/move-to-tech-in-search-of-better-wlb?customgpt=1, Reconsidering banking after receiving offer... help?
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