what exactly does a trader assistant do? am sure it depends on the desk, so let's say IR exotics. is this a viable route to becoming a trader after a while (how long)? does an assoc level quant sell himself low by becoming a trader assistant and should aim for a trading role directly?thanks for any insights.

don't know about IR exotics per se, but most trader assistants help the trader in terms of booking the trades and doing the less glamerous jobs - however they do not talk to the clients - traders get paid the $$ however (and also take the risk).

Its a decent path to becomming a trader, iv seen it happen. Don't know about exotics, but in the flow rates business its is all about booking trades, reconciling its all in, checking the risk is right, but can be more glam at times like helping the trader hedge/manage orders etc.

rmax pretty much has it. on a flow desk a TA is going to be booking trades, handling breaks, dealing with back office inquiries, chasing up sales on issues. other intraday things are going to be ensuring the position is correct, running the risk for the book, p&l calculation, small pricing of internal trades. every shop is a bit different though and from what ive seen on the exotics side the TA's tend to be less involved bc the product is more complex so the traders are less inclined to get the TA's involved. but a TA is different in different shops, you should find out what the progression is going to be ie: at some places TA's will be TA's forever and arent considered part of the trading desk but part of the middle office & at others TA's are essentially training to be jr traders