small bank Credit derivative trader vs big bank middle office quant

jimmycarter · January 15th, 2006, 6:16 pm

i have got two offers. one is from a small investment bank but big in all operations (eg HSBC) doing credit derivative trading. one is from a real big investment bank doing middle office. which one is better for my future career?

axs · January 15th, 2006, 8:53 pm

why even ask. take the small investment bank credit derivative trading. The middle office can be a backup plan.

SierpinskyJanitor · January 15th, 2006, 9:14 pm

yes, but are you aware of how boring Credit Derivatives trading can really be? At least, with the middle office risk stuff you´ll be able to learn a lot more! Middle-office is like grad school in quant-fin and Credit Default Swaps are the least likely candidates for the "Interesting Derivative Award" - they suck!

Icecloud · January 16th, 2006, 11:00 pm

Guess it would depend on what you want... if you are really interested in trading then do the credit derivatives trading. Even if only a sml shop you can still make a name for yourself, and possibly move on to a bigger shop. Personally trading can never be boring as there are always new things/products to explore. I am sure SierpinskyJanitor has his/her reasons why trading can get boring but reckon ultimately depends on what you want.