Prop Shop Culture
It seems to be the case with prop shops and discretionary trading, as with most places, that culture & "culture fit" are important aspects of employment.
I'm an Econ major with a minor in Statistics, wondering how much the "engineering personality" (or lack thereof) tends to bleed into shops that recruit STEM heavy.
Are there firms that tend to hire with slightly more bias towards the humanities? Hope this is a relevant question and that people will be able to describe common or unique work environments within this niche.
I don't quite understand the 2nd part of your question, but an Econ major with minor in Stats at a prop shop won't be seen like a gender studies major even at the nerdiest of shops. Of course, you need to ensure you have strong coding/math skills (I'm sure you've done technical heavy econ projects?) so you aren't disadvantaged.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, culture and "culture fit" indeed play a significant role in employment at prop shops and discretionary trading firms. While many of these firms lean heavily towards recruiting STEM majors due to the technical and quantitative nature of the work, there are nuances to consider:
STEM-Dominated Culture: Many prop shops value the rigor and problem-solving skills that STEM majors bring. This often results in a workplace culture that can reflect the "engineering personality"—analytical, detail-oriented, and sometimes less focused on soft skills.
Humanities and Non-STEM Bias: While STEM backgrounds are often preferred, some firms do appreciate the unique skills that humanities majors bring, such as critical thinking, communication, and the ability to construct and defend arguments. These skills can be particularly valuable in discretionary trading roles, where understanding market narratives and human behavior is crucial.
Firm-Specific Variations: Certain firms may have a more balanced approach to hiring, valuing diverse perspectives and skill sets. For example, firms that emphasize discretionary trading or roles requiring strong interpersonal skills might show a slight bias towards candidates with humanities or mixed academic backgrounds.
Work Environment: The culture within prop shops can vary widely. Some may have a more collaborative and open environment, while others might be highly competitive and individualistic. Humanities majors who can demonstrate quantitative aptitude alongside their unique strengths may find opportunities in firms that value a broader skill set.
If you're an Econ major with a Statistics minor, you might already have a good balance of quantitative and qualitative skills. Highlighting your ability to analyze data while also showcasing your communication and critical thinking abilities could make you a strong candidate, even in STEM-heavy environments.
Sources: A Helping Hand to Humanities Students, Do the humanities have value in today's banking world?, My Experience Recruiting as an Undergrad for Everything vs WSO Wisdom, Prop Trading (MM) v.s. BB Sales and Trading, I'm Trying to get into Prop-Trading From a Non-Target School
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