27 and an execution trader at a top Macro fund, what next?
Title says it
Just turned 27 and I am an execution trader at a top Global Macro fund. We're a central execution pod for the fund, I do not work within a pod.
The end goal is to become a PM, is my best path there to find a PM/Analyst willing to take me on internally? Move back sell side to a risk taking seat? Or jump ship to another fund as an analyst?
Ideally I could progress internally as I love my fund, and my fund has a historic track record of allowing this.
How would you approach my progression if you were me?
To progress from an execution trader to a PM role, especially at a top Global Macro fund, here’s how you could approach it based on the most helpful WSO content:
Leverage Internal Opportunities:
Since your fund has a track record of promoting internally, this is your best bet. Start by identifying PMs or analysts who align with your interests and strategy. Build relationships with them and demonstrate your value by contributing beyond execution—such as providing insights, automating processes, or offering trade ideas. Show that you’re not just an execution trader but someone who can think like a PM.
Develop a PM Skillset:
To transition into a risk-taking role, you need to prove you can evaluate and model trades from a long-term investor perspective. This means honing your ability to generate trade ideas, conduct deep research, and manage risk. If you’re not already doing so, start shadowing PMs or analysts, and ask for opportunities to assist with their work.
Consider Moving to a Risk-Taking Seat on the Sell Side:
If internal progression stalls, moving back to the sell side in a risk-taking role could be a viable option. This would allow you to build a track record of taking and managing risk, which is critical for a PM role. However, this path might be less ideal if you’re already at a top fund and have internal opportunities.
Jumping to Another Fund as an Analyst:
This is a riskier move, especially if you love your current fund. However, if you find a fund that offers a clear path to a PM role and aligns with your goals, it could be worth considering. Ensure that the move is strategic and positions you closer to your end goal.
Refine Your Craft:
As highlighted in WSO threads, focus on refining your skills and modeling yourself after successful PMs. Automate processes, provide value-added insights, and consistently demonstrate your ability to think strategically. This will make you a natural choice when opportunities arise.
Network and Stay Visible:
Whether internally or externally, networking is key. Maintain strong relationships with senior personnel and peers, and make your aspirations known. This ensures you’re top of mind when opportunities arise.
In summary, your best path is likely internal progression, given your love for the fund and its history of promoting from within. Focus on building relationships, demonstrating your value, and developing the skills needed to transition into a PM role. If internal opportunities don’t materialize, consider external moves strategically.
Sources: Sell Side Trading vs Buy Side Execution, Routes to Buyside PM, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/why-i-left-pe-switched-to-the-public-markets?customgpt=1, Q&A: Non-Target School to Portfolio Manager at a Top Hedge Fund – 6 Years Out of Undergrad, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/equity-research/career-ladder-equity-research-vs-investment-banking-a-definitive-guide-part-3?customgpt=1
>my fund has a historic track record of allowing this.
answer is right there my friend
Okay maybe I should have phrased differently.
There have been cases, but overall this has not been the norm and I only know a few people who moved from execution to become analysts. I have heard of other funds with a lot better track record of the pivot to analyst from trading.
I was mainly asking for the scenario where this does not become a reality and I have to pivot. Ideally this pivot is anticipated.
And in theory it makes sense
Why would a PM take a risk on a 27 year old trader, when he could pull a 25 year old analyst from CitSec or a 24 year old QR from GS?
I hope I’m wrong but I think I’ll most likely have to go buyside before I’ll be able to get into a PM seat. There’s just too much off a skill/approach mismatch between someone who’s purely execution focused and someone who’s developing their own strategies, albeit at shorter timescales
from what group would pm pull from citsec? thought u would mean citadel the hf?
do you need a trading assistant by any chance.
If your fund has a track record of promoting internally and you genuinely love the culture, your best first move is internal. Start building relationships with PMs and analysts whose styles resonate with you, and look for ways to add value beyond execution—whether that’s trade ideas, flow insights, or helping with portfolio construction.
Execution traders who transition successfully often do so by becoming indispensable to a pod before formally joining it. If that path stalls, moving to a risk-taking seat on the sell side can be a smart pivot—it gives you a PnL track record and sharpens your market instincts. Jumping to another fund as an analyst is viable, but harder without direct risk experience.
My fund is not the best at moving internally, but it has definitely been done before and I genuinely love my fund so ideally I end up as a lifer
Regarding the movement to sell side trading, how easy and often do people move? It makes sense since my current seat is so market focused, but I am not not taking risk and not generating PnL, so maybe that could hurt my chances?
Either way I appreciate the insight.
Totally fair—if internal moves are rare but possible, then it’s all about positioning yourself as someone PMs want on their team. Keep adding value beyond execution and make sure they see you as someone who understands risk, not just flow.
On the sell side pivot: it’s not super common, but it does happen, especially if you’re sharp and can show market intuition. The lack of direct PnL is a hurdle, but not a dealbreaker—some desks value execution-side experience if it’s paired with strong idea generation and composure under pressure. Start having informal conversations with sell side traders to gauge interest and understand what they’d want to see from someone in your seat.
What would you do if you were in my shoes? The thought of being stuck in execution is honestly so ridiculously frightening it could keep me up at night
I am trying to go to a part time quant program at Columbia that has a ton of professors who are ex HF/trading, and I'm hoping this would tool me up on the risk taking/PnL end, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make the jump to a risk taking seat
It feels like the longer you stay in execution the harder it is to move to a risk taking seat. People are a lot more likely to take a chance on a 25 year old than a 30 year old, and maybe it sounds ridiculous but it feels like time is ticking for me
You’re replying to ChatGPT
I’m not long your chances in markets
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