GS Trading Strats vs. Google/Facebook SWE

Interned at both places and got offers from both. Very fortunate !! However, not sure which path I want to take -- I love the dynamic/fast nature of finance but definitely enjoyed both. Compensation wise Google/Facebook pays better. Not sure how compensation progression looks like as a trading strats at GS? Also, how hard it is to go from trading strats (more like quant/quant dev) --> FAANG SWE and vice versa?

Very confused as I have to make my decisions pretty soon. Any input will be greatly appreciated! Thank you =)

16 Comments
 

Yeah probably.

Not sure if S&T comp at GS is in line with the 90kish base + 30-50 (not sure what the ranges for top, med, bottom bucket IC is nowadays). Even if it was, that puts it at a 120 - 140k range,

FB / Google at a major city would prob offer 120-130ish + housing stipend. Probably not that much more, if at all, but definitely on par if not higher if S&T is a notch under IBD comp.

Growth trajectory definitely more favorable at GS though.

 

GS trading strats has potential exits to hedge fund platforms as a portfolio manager making 15% of your PnL. Not a guarantee of any kind....just potential.

goog/FB will have better quality of life...potentially more political as you rise up the corp ladder...but that's everywhere.

If your end goal is to be a portfolio manager at a hedge fund, then goto GS if its not, then goto Goog/FB.

just google it...you're welcome
 

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