Questions about a Career in Trading
I'm a rising junior at an IB target school but I don't think banking is for me. I am looking at Trading because of the lifestyle, and since compensation is pretty similar to banking.
Luckily, I landed an internship at a very small trading desk this summer. I've learned a lot about corporate bonds and treasuries. Should I focus on anything in particular to make me a better candidate down the road? For example, Bloomberg skills? Bond Valuation? What do recruiters like to see?
Thanks and I really appreciate any advice people can offer
First things first i would say always take the work experience over "trading your own account" from a CV perspective (although in terms of learning experience obviously a lot more factors come into play). Trading your own account isnt something that is a strong resume point because everyone has it, and when someone reads it they just automatically think you are punting around. Trading your own account is beneficial if in an interview you can have a discussion about your strategy/risk management and impress people that way (i.e. if it was a true learning experience you can use that).
Secondly, id be hard pressed to find someone that can predict what product is hot in 5 years time, let alone next year. "Making sure your efforst pay off", well there is no such thing as a sure thing over hte next X years. Most products have ups and downs, the secret to a successfull career in trading is to not get fired inthe down years so that you can take advantage of the good years.
Second this. I have always thought being a good trader is just being good at managing risk--not being a good stock picker or anything.
To OP -- compensation is not exactly similar. The difference is generally in the bonus (which can be huge).
In my opinion, it's pretty important to make sure you like the products you're working with. Having enthusiasm for your work makes it a lot easier for you to learn and much more enjoyable.
Est dicta asperiores neque et inventore rem alias. Similique est doloribus nemo natus iste odio.
Voluptatem ut ut rerum. Ut sunt aut a aut voluptatem facilis. Commodi culpa nostrum quia aut et saepe.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...