Hi guys,Assume that the quant job market is decent, say something like it was 2-3 yrs ago. In such a market, does it make a difference if you are graduating PhD student (around 26-27 yrs old) or a junior postdoc (around 29-30 yrs old) ? In other words do employers prefer fresh PhDs over postdocs, or vice-versa?The answer to this question is very relevant to my situation. Any comments will be helpfulRelativist.

The postdoc does not add any value with respect to the PhD title.Even if you say, I was half my way through to get a permanent position as a professor, they don't care and won't pay you more because of this.or at least this is what it's happening to me, where I could not monetize at all the two years of experience I matured as a postodc in Physics in US universities (with good papers, talks at conferences etc.).so, if it is because of the downturn and you cannot find a job right now, do the postdoc, or do it if you are uncertain about what you want to do later.but if you want to do finance and have the chance to switch, just know that the older you break into finance, the worse.I am 31, paid like a 25 yeasr old three years after the university, and I am not supercrazy about my current situation monewiseel tigre

QuoteOriginally posted by: tigermanThe postdoc does not add any value with respect to the PhD title.Even if you say, I was half my way through to get a permanent position as a professor, they don't care and won't pay you more because of this.or at least this is what it's happening to me, where I could not monetize at all the two years of experience I matured as a postodc in Physics in US universities (with good papers, talks at conferences etc.).so, if it is because of the downturn and you cannot find a job right now, do the postdoc, or do it if you are uncertain about what you want to do later.but if you want to do finance and have the chance to switch, just know that the older you break into finance, the worse.I am 31, paid like a 25 yeasr old three years after the university, and I am not supercrazy about my current situation monewiseel tigreI am in a similar situation to you, but at least you have a job.I'm interested in what work you found, if you are willing to say.Thanks.

A post-doc for sure will have more publications which can never hurt. Remember in the end it all depends on who you are and not on minor details like 2 years here and there.Given the state of economy you might even want to consider a career in academia or at least have enough journal publications to have that option open.

QuoteOriginally posted by: relativistdo employers prefer fresh PhDs over postdocs, or vice-versa? Employers like them young and inexperienced because fresh phds demand less pay and are more "trainable" and take orders better. Postdocs may think they deserve more...

QuoteOriginally posted by: KackToodles [...] like them young and inexperienced because [...] demand less pay and are more "trainable" and take orders better [...] I was about to poke fun at KackTooddles but then I realized that we don't each other that well yet