- Joined
- 11/2/11
- Messages
- 86
- Points
- 18
In the last couple of weeks I have been reading a lot of threads (some by me) here about trading and how to pursue a career in trading while coming from a mathematical or financial engineering background.
The only answers I got were that mathematical background was not preferred for traders and in a lot of cases looked down on and as a downside to a prospective trader. At least it would in no way help you towards this career.
Last night I was browsing the internet, like many nights, and came across an interview with a prop trader which was not in perspective with the advice I had gotten from many members here. I thought that I would share it here, and perhaps get some input from the members here.
http://www.mergersandinquisitions.com/proprietary-trading-careers/
Proptrader (about interviews at prop trading companies): "Generally, they ask more math questions and brain teasers in the first round because they use them as a screen to see who can perform under pressure, think on their feet, and reason their way into solutions."
Proptrader (about what kind of people prop trading companies look for): "but they tend to focus on top engineering schools and good Tier 2 schools with solid technical programs because they want math/science/engineering people rather than the usual finance and accounting crowd."
How can this be? Is prop trading just different from trading at IB or HF? According to this I can't see how a technical background would do anything other than give you an advantage, and that a MFE degree would give you an even bigger advantage.
The only answers I got were that mathematical background was not preferred for traders and in a lot of cases looked down on and as a downside to a prospective trader. At least it would in no way help you towards this career.
Last night I was browsing the internet, like many nights, and came across an interview with a prop trader which was not in perspective with the advice I had gotten from many members here. I thought that I would share it here, and perhaps get some input from the members here.
http://www.mergersandinquisitions.com/proprietary-trading-careers/
Proptrader (about interviews at prop trading companies): "Generally, they ask more math questions and brain teasers in the first round because they use them as a screen to see who can perform under pressure, think on their feet, and reason their way into solutions."
Proptrader (about what kind of people prop trading companies look for): "but they tend to focus on top engineering schools and good Tier 2 schools with solid technical programs because they want math/science/engineering people rather than the usual finance and accounting crowd."
How can this be? Is prop trading just different from trading at IB or HF? According to this I can't see how a technical background would do anything other than give you an advantage, and that a MFE degree would give you an even bigger advantage.