Hedge Fund/Sales and Trading Internship for Next Year
Hey guys I am a computer science engineering and a financial math rising junior(just finished my sophomore year) at the University of Michigan. This summer I will be at Chicago Trading Company doing software development. Last summer I also had a software developer internship at a medical software company. I am a lot further off on my computer science degree than my math degree, which is why I got these internships, however next year I am hoping to intern at a hedge fund or get a trader position, as I will be taking almost entirely advanced math course load.
The reason I made this post was to inquire if anyone had any advice or experience going from a technical roll to a front office roll and anything they could share with me. I really like software development, but I don't see it being for me in the long run, thus I want to diversify my skill set. If anything, I might realize by interning in a different position that I am wrong and software development for next year. I am scared that recruiters will just want me to continue down this same path as I will obviously be one of the most experienced candidates, and it will be hard for me to break into the other side. Does anyone else see this being a problem?
Thank you for all the help guys!
It's difficult for exactly the reasons you mention but definitely possible to transition from technical to trading. It helps a lot if you intentionally work towards it, starting at your internship this summer.
It also might make a big difference if you are looking to go into a relatively non-technical role (Sales and Trading at BB) or a slightly more hybrid role (trading at a technology-oriented hedge fund like D.E. Shaw or Citadel, or better yet a technologically focused prop firm like Jump, HRT, Jane Street, DRW, etc).
What you can do to prepare: -Learn a lot this summer. Talk to tech people and traders, set up informational interviews throughout the firm, demonstrate a passionate interest (assuming you have one) for finance. -Read books about finance. Many firms have websites that list recommended reading, for example some of the ones listed above, which is a good place to start. -Have a good story to tell. Think about how you got interested in finance, why you see yourself making the transition from pure software to a hybrid/trading role, and how all your internship experiences fit in with that story. -The advanced math is great, work hard on that
Good luck.
Just to clear something up,, I am indeed more interest in a hybrid role. D.E. Shaw, Citadel, Jump Trading are all desirable positions for my junior year internship. Thanks for the advice.
I am also curious if my internship this year (being at CTC) would look very favorable over other candidates if I'm going to another trading company, though not exactly doing software development.
On the one hand, it doesn't really matter how good your internship will look at this point right? Best just to try to have a good attitude and make the most of it.
Having said that, my sense is that a software internship at CTC will be quite competitive going into your junior year. A more trading-specific internship might be better, but I don't think many sophomores get those. I think you will be well positioned to get into the roles you are looking for, just focus on doing your best this summer and preparing yourself and your story.
Cheers,
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