HelloI am finishing my PhD (Statistical Signal Processing, Electrical Engineering). I can program pretty good C++ and am learning some of the Option Pricing Maths at the moment.I am looking for an entry level quant position. It seems easier to get into a Hedge Fund than a large reputed bank at the moment.I see the following downsides to taking a first position with a hedge fund ....1- Much lower starting salary than with an Investment Bank ....2- Higher risk, a bad year in a hedge fund could see me unemployed ....3- Taking a position in a hedge fund might make it very difficult to move into an Investement Bank at a later stage ....4- More difficult to build a reputation within the quant finance community not having a big name behind me ....But on the upside I may not be able to get into a bank because of their higher requirements.Any comments on the above would be appreciated. In this climate would anyone recommend turning down a job in a small hedge fund in order to hold out for a bank?Is any experience better than no experience?Is hedge fund experience better that spending that time reading more maths with the aim of getting into a big bank?All advice appreciated ....

Don't suppose you are looking at Beauchamp Technology hedge fund?

QuoteOriginally posted by: shaggyHelloIt seems easier to get into a Hedge Fund than a large reputed bank at the moment.This certainly seems true.Quote1- Much lower starting salary than with an Investment Bank ....Oh I am not sure about this. Some hedge funds pay very very well. Plus starting salary may not be that important. One bank I talked to expect me to work 60 hrs/week and I am sure in actuality, it is a lot more than that. probably 70 hr/wk. That's madness.Quote2- Higher risk, a bad year in a hedge fund could see me unemployed ....I am not an expert on this. Yesterday I talked to a HH. He told me actually the job with a good hedge fund are safer than big I Bank. I don't know how true this is.QuoteBut on the upside I may not be able to get into a bank because of their higher requirements. Especially in this job market, they can afford to be picky, even nasty. Oh well. Just take your first job, and work for a couple of years, and you can move to a bank later if you want. I am sure doors are always open, if you can find one...QuoteIs any experience better than no experience?certainly. I put on my resume some meagre financial experience I had and it generates lukewarm interests. better than no interests.good luckPhil

anymore options greatly appreciated ....