How often do traders change desks/product groups?

Know this has been asked but I couldn't find any insightful answer yet.

How often do traders jump from one products groups to others? Say a trader with 2 years experience in single stock vol jumps to a group covering FX options? I assume that his/her expertise in vol & Greeks should be applicable to another products even underlying asset class is different, but does it often happens on the street?

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on a kind of similar note, how do guys go about looking to move to another firm without their current colleagues figuring out? Wall Street is a small place and I gotta think word gets out quick. Is it mainly via headhunters? Do competing firms commonly reach out to poach traders/sales ppl ?

 
NYorbuston a kind of similar note, how do guys go about looking to move to another firm without their current colleagues figuring out? Wall Street is a small place and I gotta think word gets out quick. Is it mainly via headhunters? Do competing firms commonly reach out to poach traders/sales ppl ?

Interested as well.

 

It's best to try internal transitions at junior levels or very senior levels. From senior associate to director, it's much harder to successfully transition internally.

The market is very difficult right now in terms of placements. I would look through a headhunter to find other opportunities. Poaching happens, but it's much much less common today than in 2006. There are just too many traders looking for work (supply) vs. diminishing demand.

As a junior entering sales/trading, I'd focus on picking up skills that are value-added/unique. Examples are building client relationships, ability to program/code etc. before trying a transition.

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