Prop Trading vs MBB
Hey all,
I've recently received an offer from a Prop Trading Firm (Think Flow Traders / Akuna / Virtu) and another MBB firm.
I'm most concerned about the high attrition rates in prop trading + my ability to cope in the job. Also, I've already signed my MBB offer (as I had an exploding offer and was really worried that I couldn't land anything else).
Personally, I'm much more interested in prop trading - I think it's more dynamic, exciting, and just all around a potentially better fit for me. Also, the pay is just much better. Downsides are that I'm worried about my ability to cope (it's really high intensity) and the first year is pretty much probationary (could get counseled out if I don't perform, and attrition rates are relatively high).
Getting an offer at one of these prop trading firms is also, from my understanding, a once in a lifetime opportunity. They don't recruit experienced hires, and most certainly not from MBB.
I also really like the people at the MBB firm that I was at, and I don't really want to disappoint them. Reneging on an offer would mean burning bridges and given how small the world is, would I be making the wrong move to go to prop?
At some point in time I see myself founding my own startup. The higher pay from prop (if I survive) would mean a much better safety net for myself. I wouldn't get that same level of safety net if I headed to MBB.
What should I do?
These are totally different jobs.....Make the decision based on the work you actually want to do. In terms of burning bridges, its probably fine. They'll quickly forget about you.
No one will care. From your post it seems like you are really passionate about the prop trading role. If it truly is a once in a life time opportunity, there is a good chance that you will regret not taking it a few years from now...
Had to make an identical decision recently - also had trouble deciding as like above comments mentioned, they're very contrasting fields. For me it came down to the optionality - it's easier to go from consulting to prop trading than the other way around. In my opinion, joining a trading team two years later (after MBB) won't hurt your long term trajectory much, as prop trading for many is a long term career. Once you start after a few years it's difficult to lateral out as you develop a specific skill set.
Feel free to PM.
Hey, let's chat! You replied anonymously so I'm not able to PM you.
I bet if you talk to HR / your mentors at MBB they would consider taking you 1 year from now if you decided the prop trading opportunity wasn't for you. I don't know if that door is two ways.
is it a legit prop trading firm? i.e. a big name
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