Life after prop trading

Prop Trader

I started a role in prop trading recently after graduating from college. I'm conscious of the high turnover in the industry as well as my lack of any other job experience.

I was just wondering what sort of career path people take after this.

If you are successful but are burnt out and what to do something different is there other industries where you would be in demand?

And there more important question, if you fail, are you marred career wise indefinitely?

Marcus Halberstam

I wouldn't say ruined for life but you deffo don't gain too many skills that are easily transferable, at least in Dublin.

In London you can always go broking, etc. If you have a solid prior background in accounting, consulting, financial software etc it's nice to be able to gain real markets experience, but don't give it too long before you make up your mind is the advice I'm getting from multiple contacts

ixus

Prop Trader wrote: »

I started a role in prop trading recently after graduating from college. I'm conscious of the high turnover in the industry as well as my lack of any other job experience.

I was just wondering what sort of career path people take after this.

If you are successful but are burnt out and what to do something different is there other industries where you would be in demand?

And there more important question, if you fail, are you marred career wise indefinitely?

Quit now. You are wasting your time and the person training you's. The second you start thinking about other jobs you're done. You have to be 100% committed to trading. Anyone who isn't fails simple as. Anyone i ever met in trading who talked about other jobs is gone.

Mr_Roger_Bongos

If you were asking this question before taking the job, i'd say you were entitled and it's good foresight to weigh up your options before committing to prop trading as your first role from college.

Now that you've started the course, you should clear your mind and commit to this fully. Enjoy your trading, good results or bad (and expect alot of those your 1st year), because this is one of the most varied and interesting jobs you'll ever do. I'm coming from 3 years in an Investment Bank.

Your career will be at no disadvantage doing it at this early stage and the conventional job market isn't stellar.

Be prepared for lots of early mornings, hard work, set backs, but also the satisfaction of a good days work and the fruits of the labour. You should strive for continuous improvement in the process of how you trade. If you can achieve that, the rewards are there.