how to jump from a research analyst to a trader within the same desk

I'm a senior math and econ major from a target and recently I got hired to a quasi-prop desk at a BB. I'm saying quasi prop because they think themselves as prop although they maintain a little client flow to get around with FinReg.... my position discription says that I was hired as a trading analyst & assistant. My primary role for now is to assist them with generating trading ideas, do research and execute trades for the desk. And it is mostly the senior traders who make serious trading decisions on behalf of the team/themselves.

I think I will enjoy my research role and I have no problem with spending a couple years doing it, but I eventually want to be responsible for my own P/L. My question is, how can I make a move/ is it possible to make a such move within the same desk?

Also, do some prop desks work more as a team and not as individual players? It is one of those FICC fields where it takes at least a couple months/years to develop real product knowledge.

5 Comments
 

Agree with the credit comment, what product area are you in?

Jack: They’re all former investment bankers who were laid off from that economic crisis that Nancy Pelosi caused. They have zero real world skills, but God they work hard. -30 Rock
 

bluecoat your in an excellent position to move forward as a trader as you gain experience. Just produce good quality work/ideas and always be hungry to take on more and you will be exactly where you want to be. I am pretty much in the same situation as you with a boutique shop but the desk Im on are some heavy hitters.

PM me would be happy to talk more about it with you.

"Oh the ladies ever tell you that you look like a fucking optical illusion" - Frank Slaughtery 25th Hour.
 

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