How to feel about my S&T offer

Hi guys, I’m an incoming FICC S&T intern at a top BB (GS/MS/JPM). I tried recruiting for everything (Tech IB, HF, Quant) because I’m at a target school (HYPSM). I really valued the exit oops of IB and the early risk taking/comp at a HF, but I didn’t land any of those. Is S&T still a good path to HF and how different is comp compared to other careers out of targets? Does the field still attract top undergrads? Is there a realistic shot at HF/Quant for FT?

18 Comments
 

yeh lot of overlap between FICC desks (say rates, fx vol etc) and HF (macro and quant not L/s) in terms of the work and skill set 

 

if genuinely think that doing ficc at the top three prestigious firms in the US is not an accomplishment in this job market and a great start for your career goals, but an impediment to moving onto HF, then your perspective on a career in trading seems to be steered mainly by misconceptions about the industry. otherwise, 7/10 subtle bait

 

Most desks are fine for moving to HF

Rates is macro, quanty-ish (as far as S&T goes), high P&L, and you get bond market holidays (don't underestimate that perk). Also, could be a fun summer interning on a swaps desk if spreads moving anything like Q1 & Q2.... Credit and mortgages good as well, depending on shop. Commods can be good, but more niche skillset/market. 

S&T still offers good starting point for career, but it is an unstructured path so better to maximize chance of success by getting on a good desk with good mentors (hence above advice). The job isn't rocket science; even options market making on the sell side is fairly rinse & repeat... 

Starting salaries for quant/prop trading firms obviously higher, but so is the bar to get hired... If you fall into that camp, would absolutely go for those firms. Happy to answer more q's in PMs.

 

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