Need Advice — Prop Trading Offer vs. Final Round for BB Structuring

Hey everyone,

Looking for some perspective here.

I an offer from a tier-3/4 prop trading firm for a Junior Trader role focused on STIR futures. It’s a very execution heavy environment, you trade your own book, get exposure to macro, rates early on, but the comp structure is pure PnL and training is more “sink or swim.” The Base is incredibly low, but the PnL split is pretty high. Not sure if this important or not, I don't require to post any capital/money to the firm. 

At the same time, I’m in the final stages for a tier-2 bulge bracket EQD Structuring role. The work seems more analytical with a clearer long-term career path, and stability, but arguably slower to reach direct PnL exposure.

I’m genuinely torn between the two, this would be my first job out of university. The prop path is exciting but risky; the structuring path feels safer but slower. My main concern is career mobility, if I take the prop role and it doesn’t work out (e.g., I get fired within a year), would it be realistic to pivot into a BB later on? Or would that early “prop” label make it tough to transition? comp isn't an issue for me at this stage. I don't mine the lower comp. Mostly just worried about the pivot in the future. 

Would appreciate any insights from people who’ve been on either side, especially around long-term exit opportunities, and risk/reward trade-offs between the roles.

Thanks in advance — really value any advice.

edit: I come from a target school and have good bb internship exp

 

1 Comments
 

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