Harvard 2+2 program

barkatthemoon — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 06:24:00 -0400

Any thoughts on this program? Would it be a useful experience, or do you guys think it is too early?

boutique firm experience

barkatthemoon — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:35:36 -0400

Hi all,

I have only done internships at small firms so far, and the experience has been great, very hands-on and having close contact with senior people in the firm. How does that differ in BB firms? Besides the prestige factor, wouldn't it make more sense to start off at a reputable boutique bank, closing probably more number of deals(mid-market ones), and working closer to senior bankers? I know many people may try to dismiss that option focusing on the "prestige" factor, but I am hoping to hear experiences of people who actually worked in BBs or boutiques.

Thanks

prop trading

barkatthemoon — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:48:59 -0400

How do you really go into prop (buy side) trading in a BB?

Do you just apply as a generalist,and then they place you in prop trading if you are good? As far as I know at least at the first level you just apply to S&T in general... So is there a chance that you get in hoping to do prop-trading of high yield etc, and end up doing flow trading of cash equities? How does it work?

trading atmosphere

barkatthemoon — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 01:43:41 -0400

Hi all,

So I have been working at this PE fund for a month now, and I pretty much got the general idea of what the work is like. I actually think the work is really interesting, getting to know many different industries/companies, trying to create extra value through accounting intricacies are quite a lot of fun. However, I don't think it is very complex or challenging work either.

Thus, I would really appreciate it if actual traders on this forum could explain a little bit the nature of their work. Especially, the responsibilities of an entry-level trader.

Another point is that, I always hear the fratboy-ish atmosphere of the trading floor yet all the people I know who are going into trading definitely aren't like that. They are in fact, silent analytical types. Could anyone also clarify that point?

I would appreciate helpful comments

trading atmosphere

barkatthemoon — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 07:46:04 -0400

Hi all,

Thus, I would really appreciate it if actual traders on this forum could explain a little bit the nature of their work. Especially, the responsibilities of an entry-level trader.

I would appreciate helpful comments

How to analyze small private firms

barkatthemoon — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:17:43 -0400

So I am interning at this fund, I can tell which one due to confidentiality reasons, and I have to prepare an analysis of competitors of one company in a very small niche sector. Almost all the companies I found are small private companies. How should I try to analyse those? Can I find any meaningful financial data anywhere?

I would be glad if more experienced ones can give some tips. I'm sure people aspiring to work in mid-market PE firms would also want to know the answer...

should i go into trading or M&A

barkatthemoon — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:07:23 -0500

math major in ivy league school, however i dont want to do very much quant work after college.