Medium sized HF Full time vs Big prop trading firm internship
Hey guys.
I have a full-time offer from a medium sized quant HF (think 30-60 people and 5 to 10 years of history) and a long 4 month internship from a big trading firm (think jump, HRT, Tower) with the intention of hiring me after if I do reasonably well. I am hesitating a lot, the offer from the HF is very competitive on the financial level and also is less risky since it is a full time already. On the other hand since I still don’t have any big name on my CV, I thought that joining the famous prop firm would send a stronger signal for my future career prospects and might be better for networking as well. I don’t have any idea wether I would prefer working for a prop or a HF and can’t judge based on that regards.
FT Hedge Fund offer without a shred of doubt
I second this suggestion. They wouldn't extend a FT offer if they didn't already think you're bringing something to the table. If you want to trade, talk with them about running a paper account on the side on your own time. The worst things that happen are you identify some new pattern/strategy that might be of interest to the fund while you're at it and bring even more value to the table. Or you find out that vanilla S&T isn't what you're meant for and quant type systems are what you're good at. Plus that's one helluva feather to have in your hat when/if it comes time to change shops. You also already said the comp is good, so it definitely doesn't sound like you'd be missing out on anything especially where the prop firm isn't any kind of guarantee of an actual job at the end of it. For networking, that's on your shoulders, regardless of what firm you work for.
Whats wrong with having a big name on your resume? I don't see why you would take the FT hedge fund position
Hey thanks for your answer.
Only the fact that the big prop firm only offered me an internship even though they made it clear that it was more like probational period internship than just a summer, the risk of not getting extended a FT after is there.
I meant I dont see why you WOULDNT take the HF position. At a mid sized firm like that, should give you plenty of opportunities to grow.
I see what you mean. I dont know how much names matter in the industry, but since I dont have a big name in my resume, that might be dangerous to start my career in a smallish midsized HF .
Not at all. All anyone at a fund with any sense will care about performance, they want to know that people they hire can make money. Sure if your strategy is not scalable then the roads after may be limited but there aren't many of those out there. Also at a small to mid sized firm, if you make money for them, could lead to much quicker growth in your standing at the firm.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Is the prop trading job that much better?
I dont really know. But think one of the prop firms I cited on the comment vs some midsized quant firm.
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