Trading interview with D.E. Shaw

I have a on site day interview at the end of this month for prop trading role. I was wondering if anyone had any info on what the interviews are like. I looked on glass door but most questions are related to phone interviews. Does anyone know if there are case studies involved (evaluating a company and giving my suggestion to buy or sell) or if there are specific things I should brush up on? I really want to work for them!

42 Comments
 

For prop trader, I have to say it is a easy interview. Basic information about yourself. Some question about trading pattern, current market. But the most important thing is you will be asked to deposit 5K for most company. Some might ask for tutor fee.

 
ZeroW

For prop trader, I have to say it is a easy interview. Basic information about yourself. Some question about trading pattern, current market. But the most important thing is you will be asked to deposit 5K for most company. Some might ask for tutor fee.

Do you know what there cmmissions are by any chance? I was considering going with Renaissance.

 

DE Shaw is quite a quantsy firm. I would do some mental arithmetic practice before hand; would be good to even "warm up a little" before going into the interview. It always causes a good impression to be able to make calculations in your head quickly and correctly; and if your'e smart you can justify squeezing a calculation into the answer for almost any question.

 

Depends on the desk who's interviewing you. They have a macro desk and an energy desk that, at least in the first round, ask more generic brainteasers than quant questions per se. But I suppose it really just depends on what group is interested in you, which you can probably figure out based on your background and interests.

 

Tough for sure, lots of mental math and things to put off your game. Make sure you tell them your thinking process or if you are going through a calculation, so sort of explain how you get to your answer, do not just blurt out replys. The key of most trading interviews is we want to know how you think from point A to B, the quant dudes for sure want to see that.

Case studies? Dude this is not Mckinsey or Fideltiy. This is prop trading and possibly algorithmetric, if you want to be doing valuation models yous in wrong place.

 

After did some research, I just find what I said is true. Most of their interview brain question for analyst or trader is not as difficult as most of people thinking. You can go to glassdoor to find out more.

 
ZeroW

After did some research, I just find what I said is true. Most of their interview brain question for analyst or trader is not as difficult as most of people thinking. You can go to glassdoor to find out more.

Yeah, thats why Im going with rentech.

Lower deposit + decent training=no brainer

also DE Shaw's platform isnt that great honestly, and it costs $150 rentech only costs $100 + free level 2.

Whatever you do O.P. always buy above the 20MA

 
  1. Quantitative Analyst Summer Intern
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"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
 

Please help!

"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
 

Just to sum up my interview for future reference:

Yo kid, your GPA sucks and you are a kid anyways. Apply next year as a Junior. Thank you for showing interest.

"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
 
AmbaniJust to sum up my interview for future reference:

Yo kid, your GPA sucks and you are a kid anyways. Apply next year as a Junior. Thank you for showing interest.

Well I'm sure presenting them as total douchebags in a public forum like this will do wonders for your candidacy next year! So there's that.

“Millionaires don't use astrology, billionaires do”
 

I disagree. I in no way presented them as what you described. Whatever I said describes my candidacy badly, not the firm.

DE Shaw is a great firm. What I said clearly indicates my weak candidacy.

"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
 
AmbaniI disagree. I in no way presented them as what you described. Whatever I said describes my candidacy badly, not the firm.

DE Shaw is a great firm. What I said clearly indicates my weak candidacy.

“Millionaires don't use astrology, billionaires do”
 

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......................................................................... I have a next level rolodex.

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