BB Algo Trading vs Tier 3 Prop Shop

Would love some insights on choosing between an algo development/research/trading analyst role with MS/JP/GS in NYC vs a Tier 3 prop shop based out of Chicago. Cost-of-living adjusted I think I would actually make more in Chicago but my entire alumni and friend network is and will be NYC-based. Prop shop is also operating on a pure eat-what-you-kill model for comp, which I guess is what I want in the end but it seems like a lot of risk to take as a first job out of college without the name-brand of a higher-tier shop. According to the prop shop recruiter, most of their new hire traders aren't generating PnL until 2-3 years in, and with a good bonus at the BB I will most likely have a higher comp, even cost-of-living adjusted.

16 Comments
 

T3 Prop over BB any day of the week if you want to do actual trading, take on risk and ownership of a P/L, the opportunity for upside, etc. Way different culture too, client faces a role at S&T whereas in a prop you are the client. 

All of those T3 have been around for over a dozen years, if you're good at what you do you'll easily be able to make a hop via a headhunter or recruiter down the line, or go get a masters degree and move to a dif "tier" shop. You might even find you don't really care about moving because they recognize you're good and pay you accordingly

EDIT: Leaving above post as I was wrong and don't want to remove the fact, but this is not a T3 prop opportunity this is an arcade shop that most likely doesn't even fit into that above tier list. An "Eat what you kill" model with a shop that says juniors don't even have a P/L for 3 years is not a real prop shop and shouldn't be classified as such.

 

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