I am an undergrad graduating in May, and in June I'll be starting as an algo trader in Chicago. Now I am trying to prepare psychologically and in any other useful way for this transition, and I would like to hear some advice from more experienced people.Here are some additional details and possible questions I have:- The job is well-paid and exactly what I wanted, so my number 1 priority is to be a great employee and don't mess up anything. What can I do now as well as after starting to maximize the probability for being a success?- I would like to have a better, more fulfilled, social life. Even though my undergrad experience was great academically, my social life sucked and I was doing work all the time.What can I expect after starting work? What can I do about it? They told me the work hours shouldn't be > 10/day, do you think it will work out that way right from the start?- I've lived in a single for the past 3 years. Trying to live with a room mate is something I'm pondering. Perhaps having a room mate will create a more social setting? Is it a good idea?These are the thoughts that preoccupy my mind. If you have anything to say that will help me on my way, let me know.Thanks

Get a room mate dude, atleast flat-mates or have friends in proximity. This way you will have someone to share your thoughts on rough days, and believe me you will have some tough days. You can also have someone to hang out during week-ends.

Choose a room mate carefully. A bad room-mate is worse than no room mates. If you can afford it financially avoid one or choose one with great care. And do make friends. I was never great socially but when I came to the USA alone I picked that skill naturally as it is a survival necessity as Abhij said. However my exp with room-mates has been more mixed than I would have liked it. Do not choose a room mate coz u are lonely just like do not marry someone just becoz you want to get laid. There are cheaper ways to do that.

no, thats the reason why you should get a roommate. The cheaper ways to do it like capafan2 suggests, come with cheaper ways of getting herpes. Do not risk getting STDs just coz a loner thinks its better not to learn how to adjust with people. Get a roommate, have people over (not from work), the more the merrier.

QuoteOriginally posted by: theRedBaronI've lived in a single for the past 3 years. Trying to live with a room mate is something I'm pondering.Don't experiment. Don't change your lifestyle all at once. If you have been successful, try to keep doing what you have been doing.You will probably be making more money, and working longer hours, than most people your age. I think it would be a bad influence to live with someone with a different lifestyle compared to you. So you should be patient and take time to find a good roommate situation.Assume that whatever you set up right away will be temporary. Take time to find the perfect setup. Don't be in a hurry.

Thanks a lot guys. Any other advice?

Just get 2 years work experience and then get a Top 5 MBA. The big bucks come after the MBA. Until then, you are just passing time.

MBA? Well, I am more inclined to math & CS, so I'd rather do MFE or a master's program which would give me a chance to learn more relevant math, machine learning, stats and other skills important for an algorithmic trader. Is my reasoning wrong?

You don't need a roommate; a single roommate is not going to make you more social! What you need is to hang out outside and be active all the time. You shouldn't spend a minute at home if you are not comfortable being alone. Go to the gym, get a drink in a bar, club, sit alone, expand your comfort zone and smile! You don't need company to do things. You can do everything on your own. But you will find lots of company if you just keep doing things. Just approach people and say "Hi"! As you get this attitude and look more confident, other people become interested to know you first.Later when you are more comfortable with yourself, you can retreat and spend more time at home. No man is more dangerous than whom that can live on his own! This is deep, dude..

the room mate advice is good, but do not live with just one. Live in a big house with like 5 people, chances are you will find someone to be friends with, with one room mate the odds aren;t so good.Outside of house mates and work chances are oyu will have a tough time meeting people just because of time limitations. The advice form false positive is bad. chances are you will not talk to anyoen at a gym, much less hand out with them outside the gym. I used to travel for work and i'd go to bars alone, sometimes you will find someone to chat with, but chances are you won't unless you're hot -- bars are meat markets.meetup.com is a good way to find people wiht similar itnerests.Here's a funny, but realistic look at hanging out in a bar alone:http://www.theonion.com/articles/man-at ... isod,6797/

Yes, you should have lots of roommates. That way, when you pick up a girl at a bar and bring her home, you will have a good audience for the noises. Otherwise, like those broke college students who live in shared apartments, you will have to ask your roommates to leave the apartment when your girlfriend is coming over.