Trading House Advice Sought

[Adnan28]

Guys,

Just wanted to ask, which do you think is a better job entry-level job at a small trading house if you want to move towards trading:

1. Settlesments,
OR
2. Financial Analyst for trading, who prepares regular PnL reports for trading desks, reconciles between the financial and risk PnL and does performance and mark-to-market analysis?

Thanks

 

[Dante26]

I wouldve thought the financial analyst job. Its more technical and analytical. But not sure

 

[Deleted member 132804]

Back Office: 1. Least chance of progressing to Front Office.
Middle Office: 2.
Front Office: 3. Where you want to be!

NB. The nature of the job is not to be confused with where you might sit. E.g. Your 2. may sit with the FO.

JG.

 

[Adnan28]

Thanks JJ.

Your saying that the financial analyst role is better.

I thought settlements may have more of a natural career path towards trading. I heard smaller houses bring on their settlement staff into FO roles if they are good enough.

Thanks

 

[Deleted member 132804]

Thanks JJ.

Your saying that the financial analyst role is better.

I thought settlements may have more of a natural career path towards trading. I heard smaller houses bring on their settlement staff into FO roles if they are good enough.

Thanks

Adnan28 - In my opinion their are no clear cross office (by which I mean BO -> FO or MO -> BO) progressions. Each requires different skills and goals. Whilst the offices are classified into a functional group do not be under the impression that one is a stepping stone to another.

However, if you have the requisite skills and determination you should be able to progress from any role into another.

 

[GammaJammer]

That hasn't really been a consistent route to the front office since the mid 90s I'd say. To be honest what's a bigger factor thn the job imho is the fir's culture. SOme promote to front office from within, some tend not to.