Lucrative Career Paths: Quant Trading vs. Software Engineering

This post showcases two highly competitive and financially rewarding career paths for talented students. 1. Quant Trading (Full-Time Offer): This field involves developing and executing quantitative trading strategies in fast-paced financial markets. Firms mentioned (Belvedere, Akuna, DRW, IMC) are top-tier prop trading firms. Hot skills include exceptional mathematical aptitude, strong programming (C++, Python), probability and statistics, competitive programming experience, and a deep understanding of financial markets. Resume should highlight academic achievements in math/CS, programming projects, and any competitive awards. Expected income for full-time quant trading roles, even at 'lesser known' but reputable firms, starts from $150,000-$250,000+ base salary, with total compensation often exceeding $300,000-$500,000+ in the first year with bonuses. 2. Software Engineering (SWE) Internship: While less detailed, this represents another strong path to gain practical experience and secure future full-time offers. Hot skills include strong programming, data structures, algorithms, and development tools. Resume should emphasize CS coursework, personal projects, and technical skills. Expected income for SWE internships at competitive companies can be $30-$80+/hour, often with additional benefits.