I would like to know more about TCM (formerly Trout Trading Fund?), as I am about to talk to them about a quantitative futures analyst job. I have a programming and math research background, and done a FinMath conversion course, but have never worked in finance before. Anyone know anything about TCM and about working in hedge funds in general?E.

Hi,I know someone who used to work for them as a straight-up software developer (he wasn't doing any quant work)....At the time he was there, they had two offices:1) HQ in Bermuda2) A development office in Toronto (Waterfront International).Since then, I gather things have changed significantly:* Monroe Trout has retired and his second-in-command, Matthew Tewksbury, is now running the operation.* Rumour has it (I don't know any definitive info mind you...) that they are looking to consolidate operations in Philadelphia. I suspect that hiring in Toronto and Bermuda has been put on hold and they are looking to draw on the talent pool in Philly. I gather it has something to do with trading costs and their ability to attract top talent...Anyhow, Trout's reputation on the street is legendary. The fact that he's been able to pull off double-digit returns with very little drawdowns...especially in 2000 & 2001...and the fact that the fund has 3 billion under management...is no small feat. It certainly sounds like a rock-solid operation...it's just that there's always some risk associated with the changing of the guard...it will be interesting to see how it performs over the next few years...Basically, it seems that most of the people they hire are extremely hands-on (i.e. well versed in multiple programming languages...C/C++/VB/Perl)...and for the most part...know their shit. But like most places in the financial area...the pressure to perform and produce results is there. If you're not up to par...you will get shown the door. Just something to keep in mind...By the way, did you actually get a call from these folks? I submitted my resume with someone who works there...3-4 months ago...and have yet to get any reply (in fact all the resumes that this person submitted have yet to hear anything back...). Are you from Philly...because I'm from Canada and it may explain their reluctance to talk to me (due to their percieved issues with the INS).Hope this helps.

Thanks, Softduck.I was beginning to think the silence was significant, so your information is good to have. I had an interview yesterday. >> Rumour has it (I don't know any definitive info mind you...) that they are looking to consolidate operations in Philadelphia. I suspect that hiring in Toronto and Bermuda has been put on hold and they are looking to draw on the talent pool in Philly. I gather it has something to do with trading costs and their ability to attract top talent...It sounds a little strange, but I am told that part of the reason behind a Philadelphia office is to do with staff retention. Apparently, people cannot buy property in Bermuda, making the place less attractive as employees look to consolidate. They are still hiring in Bermuda - maybe to compensate for people moving to Philadelphia? As I say, it sounds strange.>> If you're not up to par...you will get shown the door. Just something to keep in mind...Haven't got the job yet ... but this thought does concentrate the mind.Maybe your friend from Tewksbury can find out more for you about jobs? I am from the UK, and they appear to be advertising here regularly.Thanks again,Etuka