Top Prop Shop vs BB IB?

Hi all,

I currently have full time offers from a top prop shop (i.e. DRW, Optiver, SIG, Jump, KCG) in an assistant trader position and a 2nd tier BB for IB. I was able to pull this off because I'm a finance/math double major at a target school. I've done IB before so I have a decent understanding of what to expect in terms of lifestyle, comp, exit opps, etc. However, I haven't been able to find a lot of recent information about prop trading. I would really appreciate it if anyone could comment on how prop trading compares to IB in terms of career growth, pay, and exit opportunities. Obviously the two positions are completely different, so I know that personal preference matters the most at the end of the day. But I still want to know as much as I can about the two roles before deciding.

The starting salary at the prop firm is a lot higher than the BB. However, my perception is that it's not as easy to grow within a prop shop. Banks have a clear hierarchy that you can climb (analyst - associate - VP - MD), but that doesn't really exist in prop trading. Additionally, I've been told that the exits aren't great. Are these legitimate concerns, or are they overblown?

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