Which would be more advantageous

I know it depends on many circumstances, but what would you think would be better for someone looking into trading:

Getting a job as a trader/trader assistant with a new hedge fund that is starting up, or working for one of the big banks going for an analyst position.

I am leaning towards the hedge fund because they probably would give me a little more responsibility and more of a hands on experience than having to be the office bitch as an analyst with a big bank.

17 Comments
 

I'd go with the bank if I were you since thats where you'll realize how the BIG players make money. Also, try to come up with good methods/models as to how to trade if you want to do good.

 

Silly question. Depends what hedge fund you end up with. If they have atleast $1B AUM, I'd take the hedge fund route in a blink.

Traders at banks don't actally 'trade', rather are mostly market makers. Ofcourse its different with the prop guys but getting there is much harder.

 

I don't know if that is specifically what I am doing. I think all traders manage their risk, even those at the big banks. No?

 

Also, to further the mkt making point, market making in less liquid products has a very strong prop component b/c there may not be a real two way market in the product

 

Additional question: Would trading for a non big bank trading firm help my chances of possibly getting a job with a big bank a year or so down the line?

 
Jimbowhere would you go?

I don't know I would have to look into what the banks specialize in, and depending on if I enjoy my time with this commodities firm, then decide which bank would be most interesting.

 

Liquid or illiquid, I wouldn't consider MM as 'trading' even though it is labelled so. You're basically catering to the client's order and tailcoating to make some money for yourself.

As for the original poster, would be better to worry about this when you actually have offers on the table. Also if you want you can pm me the name of the HF which would provide greater insight.

On a side note, had a shitty day today and the MD is on my ass...for a measly $22,000

 

What exactly do you trade? And tell me that exotics traders don't wear risk. Or bermudan traders. Or even swap traders who take down a few yards. Swap flow desks can have risk around 1mm per bp at various curve points. Tell me that isn't real risk.

Traders risk their firms capital, whether in a prop capacity or a market making capacity. They are different sure. But market making is very much "trading".

 

I cant give you the name of the fund because I haven't been told it yet, I have just been told its brand new, which makes me excited about it. I am more interested in it being a stepping stone in my trading career. It will most likely be in commodities trading. I dont really know if they are going to call it a hedge fund, or a trading firm, or whatever the hell the new, arbitrary buzz word is.

 

Quis et debitis optio necessitatibus rerum. Vero ut quia corporis consequatur et. Quo aut minima laudantium est iusto corporis cumque magnam.

Eum suscipit architecto consequuntur ratione voluptatem odit nam. Explicabo et aliquam ut. Tenetur dicta sequi aut necessitatibus atque. Voluptatum ut odio fugiat vel voluptatum fugiat perspiciatis. Cupiditate et consequuntur deserunt in saepe.

Deleniti illo molestiae reiciendis quasi. Quia placeat omnis sed et vel neque. Qui non a nam perspiciatis at nulla. Eos consequatur repellendus hic sunt nostrum. Minima accusamus debitis nemo voluptatum. Asperiores occaecati non laboriosam.

Doloribus doloremque quo nihil sit porro ratione est. Est reprehenderit enim ratione incidunt enim ad. Repellat veritatis tenetur beatae ut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (50) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”