Can/should I get into trading?

Hi guys, I have a question for those who may know more about this sort of thing than I do.

Right now I am looking for a job in finance. Specifically I want a job that compensates based on performance and rewards people who work hard.

I'm a graduate from UIUC in a quantitative field and recently completed a two year position at a top tier economic research institution (entry non-phd level). I found that I wasn't enamored with research because the time horizon for projects was very long and also because I felt that for the amount of effort put in the rewards were just not enough motivation for me. That's why I decided not to go for my phd.

My question is is it still possible for me to become a trader or try and become an assistant trader or am I now too old? I have met with a little success in applying for research/back office type work in finance, but I'm worried that I might not feel as motivated as I could be - I don't want my work leading to others success and then not getting the credit. For those experienced in those type of positions know if that is the case in the industry for economic research positions? Would there be other positions in finance besides trading and economic research that I might look into?

I know my question is sort of all over the place, but if you could answer even a part of it I would be greatly appreciative.

5 Comments
 

Hmmm. Just saw this post. Haven't gotten your email yet but I'll try to get back to you this evening.

On the surface, my advice is that switching jobs is kinda like Uno. You can switch companies or you can switch the nature of the job. It's hard to switch both at the same time, but there's definitely a major-investment-bank colored card for economic researchers with quantitative backgrounds.

If you haven't sent me the email yet, I've pmd you my email address- send me a copy of your resume so I can get a better idea of where you're coming from.

 
IlliniProgrammer there's definitely a major-investment-bank colored card for economic researchers with quantitative backgrounds.

Not trying to sound cynical here, but I thought Global Macro-Investing was dead.

I win here, I win there...
 

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