I am in my last semester of college. I have been offered a job as an assistant trader with a specialist firm. Eventually I want to complete either a masters in financial engineering or an MBA at a top american university? Does anyone know if this job is good preparation? What is the typical career path for assistant traders?

Trading assistant usually goes on to be a junior trader, trader, senior trader, sector manager, and then head of trading. Give or take a few steps, and titles can vary across employers.

what is it you want to do eventually?i have had problems with people who come in as trainee traders but don't reallythrow themselves into it "because they are just doing it for a few years until they doan MSc". The problem is that after graduation the job you will get is trainee trader.if you want to be a trader you will start as a trainee trader. this is true whetheryou have a high school diploma or a PhD.

another thing to consider is that a Msc in finance or similar is much more fruitfull and usefull when you have a couple of years experience, you can learn more an with a more practical view. Also a couple of years experience will allow you to make interesting relationship whitin the master.Regards

Thanks for the replies. I am not completely sure what i want to do. I know that I want to use my math degree in a business environment. At the same time, I know that I don't want a PhD in Math (which seems to be a requirement for quants). I also want a job where I will learn a lot about finance, because I eventually want to start my own business (not sure what are yet.....but thinking along the lines of a hedge fund). Trading seemed like the right fit because of the exposure to finance. In addition, I will be able to use my math. The problem is that I don't know how it will help me get into a graduate program.

If you want to go to a Hedge Fund, ..... then start trading asap and try to built up a track record

Mencey,QuoteIf you want to go to a Hedge Fund, ..... then start trading asap and try to built up a track record In comparison with, grades + school, work experience, and interviews, how does track record help for getting hired?

Osas said that he wanted to start his own business related to the hedge fund.I am working steady since half a year in the project to launch a hedge fund. The problem is that nodody gives you the infraestructure AND the seed capital.The business have very high cost and is quite sensible to economies of scale. For instance the bloomberg cost aproximately 1600 per month, either if you have 1 million under management or 100. If you have the money, then no problem but if not, the right option might be to go to an incubator but he will require you to raise some capital. And normally to raise capital, either you are a star from a investment bank's prop desk or either from a traditional fund management. If you are not then you should try to show a track record of at least one year although normally institutional investors demand three years of audited track recordBy the way, I already have asked in another thread but anyhow, I will appreciate if someone gives me information about european incubators....Nevertheless and answering your question I think that an Msc might help but normally a hedge fund hires either a consolidated o very promising start.... or freshmen talent without experience (in order to teach them). Maybe is more important to have the right motivation and really be willing to learn...... just a tip!