SO guys, I need help from as many people as can offer it. You may know that I am currently on a graduate scheme , having secured my next rotation on the quantitative analyst desk.However, there is an opportunity to go onto a normal trading desk full time, and come off the rotational programme. My question is this, as Algo / e -Trading is taking off, is it better to hold out and wait for that opportunity?I see the industry going more and more e-trading, and I don't want to enter a role that is dying a death. However on the flip side, getting this role and maybe staying a few years could give me invaluable experience, from then which I could continue into MSc/ PHD further education and enter a quant role further down the line - if this is even plausible?Any help massively appreciated.ThanksALex

Actually, I wasn't aware that you were on a graduate scheme.Sure - the rest sounds good.

Personally I'd take the opportunity. Yes FX has been moving to algo for specific things but the old school market is still alive and well so grab a few years there and see if you like it, if flows start drying up you can go for a MSc or PHD and move on from there. I'm only basing this on my personal opinion given the limited information available.

Thanks for feedback! I think it would be enjoyable, and a fantastic experience. Do you, in your opinion, think that should I be able to move into efx, that the experience would help me get that role?Just starting out in this industry I don't want to go into something that will leave me struggling gaining transferable skills!Again massively appreciate any feedback!A

I guess I'm looking for anyone else who might have knowledge of the industry.Is it a good move? An area becoming automated? Is it a good foundation for maybe moving to E-fx further down the line (after postgraduate study) for example, completing a part time masters whilst doing the role, would it be beneficial?My biggest worry is that in a few years I will be in a job that is dying and becoming more and more automated. Will there still be a need for skilled FX Traders?Any insight appreciated,Again Thanks

What quant team is your next rotation in? If its in algo side then might be worth the risk as it looks like you really want to do it. Without a masters/phd there is a good chance that you will not be offered a full time position in a quant team after your rotation.In my opinion, take the offer. If you dont get an elec trading position now its unlikely you will get it in the future, particularly because there are very few elec trading positions even in big banks and the skillset is quite different for spot/fwd and elec/algo trading.

My next rotation would be in the E-fx spot algo team - but only for a short while.The FX Spot trading role is full time. I was thinking take the role (not an opportunity I can justify passing up) and then do a part time masters alongside this in applied mathematics.The FX Spot role works alongside the E-fx team, quite closely on the day to day running.I am just concerned that with increased automation, I am going into a role that will be less and less needed. But on the flip side, there will always be a need for a traders I would think, and I would be the most junior on the desk, untainted my the recent Fx probe etc.

I am with you on that. Take the role. You are close enough to the algo area to evaluate the opportunities as and when they pop up later. As for whether manual trading will continue declining...in my view a lot of cuts that had to be done due to electronic markets have already happened. Algo is an expensive business to run. There is always going to be a case for traders.

Thanks for your insight, it is greatly appreciated.I think that it would put me in a good position within the bank, and having lots of contact with the quants can only be of benefit.Thanks AgainAlex