Long time programmer in silicon valley, figuring out options in trading. Please help.

Hi guys, I'm a programmer (BS/MS - CS from average state schools).

I'm currently working in silicon valley in a big software company(Ebay/Yahoo/Oracle/Cisco/MS etc). I have reasonably good algo/programming skills.

I'm considering a move to financial services industry due to an interest in trading,lack of interest in enterprise/internet programming and also compensation.

What would be a good step to make in trading domain, given my background?

I've read about HFT programming ; it sounds interesting and relevant to my background/interests, but the recruiters I talked to in this area, were trying to place me in the general infrastructure/trading systems development (and not developing algos that trade). Is this the best place to get in?

What are my options as a "pure programmer without any finance/trading background" to get my foot in the industry? Just wanted to get an idea of the various roles/place I could get in. Any help would be appreciated.

Currently based on my research online, I have found these options: 1) HFT programming (developing trading systems/infrastructure that power the trades) 2) Quant dev (code the math models). Not sure about this. And finally which would be a good place to start? - prop trading firm or hedge fund or BB's trading division?

5 Comments
 
melvvvartwo sigma would be your best bet

Thanks melvvvar. What sort of positions would be the best for some one of my background. By best I mean, as close as to the trading action possible.

 
melvvvarin any shop like that you need to put in your dues for 1-3 years as a developer, and if you are good, eventually they move you into a trading role.
Thanks. Yeah, I do understand that (and dont expect) to get into a trading role anytime soon. But just wanted to understand what kind of role I can get into, that will position me well into a path where I can eventually become a trader. As far as a developer role, if I can get into a HFT trading systems (infrastructure development), will that position me well?
 

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