FAANG vs L/S
Would love to get some advice on picking between the 2.
For context: non target, 22. Loves the market always have and always will. Lower income household so not much cushion.
Option A: FAANG - stable, good pay, full time offer.
Option B: L/S- mm, internships offer.
On a risk adjusted basis, (if I was putting my trader hat on)it seems like I should go with FANNG but internal finance is super dull and as someone who likes markets I’m naturally gravitate towards taking risks.
Over the past 6 month finding a job has been brutal and there’s no guarantee if I will even get a return offer. But this might be one of the only times I get an opportunity like this. And I definitely will think abt all the WHAT IFs if I do decide to take option A. Would love to hear some advice. Thanks.
faang sounds like the best bet.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to consider:
Stability vs. Passion: FAANG offers stability, good pay, and a full-time role, which is crucial given your lower-income background. However, if you truly love the markets and are passionate about taking risks, the L/S opportunity aligns more with your interests.
Risk-Adjusted Perspective: As you mentioned, FAANG is the safer, more stable option. The L/S internship, while exciting and aligned with your passion, carries significant risk—there’s no guarantee of a return offer, and the job market has been tough for you.
Long-Term Optionality: FAANG provides a strong brand name and optionality for future transitions, even into finance. On the other hand, breaking into L/S or discretionary macro is rare, and this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, the lack of a safety net makes this a high-stakes gamble.
Financial Cushion: Coming from a lower-income household, the financial stability of FAANG could provide you with a much-needed cushion. This could allow you to save and potentially pivot to finance later, with less financial pressure.
What-Ifs: It’s natural to think about the “what-ifs,” but you need to weigh the emotional satisfaction of pursuing your passion against the practical realities of financial stability and career progression.
Recommendation:
If financial stability is a top priority, FAANG is the safer bet, especially given your background. However, if you’re willing to take the risk and can handle the potential downside of not securing a return offer, the L/S internship could be a unique opportunity to pursue your passion for markets. Consider your risk tolerance, financial situation, and long-term goals carefully before deciding.
Sources: Tech is over exaggerated here, What would you choose: IB vs SWE @ FAANG?, Software Engineering Vs Investment Banking, Offer Decision Help Needed
What do you mean L/S mm, discretionary macro. So is it L/S or Macro?
The desk touch so many different things is hard to fit one type cleanly.
I’ll be doing a little bit of everyhting including market making, l/s and macro is what I understand about the role.
I'm not sure I follow. If it's one of the brand name multi strats, can't think of which this could be. How can you have market making together with buy-side investing, unless ur rotating between citadel and cit sec which I don't think is a thing.
If it's a big 4 mm then take that blindly as you can always recruit down market or even for asset managers if you don't convert. Heck even if it's verition you still go with it. With that experience on your CV you have a ton of different options, and it would be stupid not to bat for the upside with significant downside protection even if you don't convert.
Finance at FAANG is a completely different job as well. Understand your own risk tolerance, and what you hope to make of your career. You won't go from the FAANG gig to IB/PE easily without an MBA, let alone to an HF. Effectively, you'd be signing away your optionality.
do L/S
L/S is more fun lowkey
I throw my hat in for FAANG if you’re in the HQ of the FAANG and it’s not Amazon
Its not Amazon. Nvidia/apple/google more stable type
An FTE in this economy is invaluable, and even if it’s finance, it’s still FAANG which still holds weight on the street. Don’t have all the context ofc but taking the FTE seems sensible from the things you’ve said
faang swe or corp fin?
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