- Joined
- 12/26/24
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Posting this from a throwaccount, as my main account contains activity with personal details
Current Situation
I am currently a buy-side quant at an Indian High-Frequency Trading (HFT) firm, where I’ve worked for the past 2.5 years. My total compensation, including base and bonus, is approximately 60-70kUSD annually.
Career Path Options
Path 1: UC Berkeley MFE
I recently have been admitted to the UC Berkeley Master’s in Financial Engineering (MFE) program for the upcoming term. This is a 1-year program that offers the following pros and cons:
Pros:
• Explore Interests: An opportunity to apply machine learning techniques in quantitative finance through research projects.
• Build a Network: Develop a strong international professional network and expand career opportunities.
• Global Exposure: Gain exposure to the global finance industry, including opportunities to work abroad.
Cons:
• Financial Burden: The program is expensive, and I would need to bear a significant financial burden through loans, which I’ll need to repay after graduation.
• Opportunity Cost: Leaving my current job and pausing my career for a year.
• Uncertainty in ROI: While the MFE program is prestigious, there’s no guaranteed outcome in terms of career advancement or higher salary.
Path 2: Joining a New Startup
I’ve been offered a position at a startup being launched by a highly experienced senior quant trader (10+ years of expertise) whom I deeply admire. I would join as one of the first employees.
Pros:
• Impactful Work: The opportunity to work on challenging and meaningful projects from the very beginning.
• Creative Freedom: Flexibility to pursue my own ideas within the firm.
• Unique Opportunity: It’s rare to be part of a startup’s foundation, especially with someone I deeply respect.
• Mentorship: Direct collaboration with an experienced mentor who could guide my growth.
Cons:
• High Risk: Startups inherently come with a high degree of uncertainty, especially in the early stages. Success is not guaranteed.
• Limited Exposure: I would continue to work in India, missing the chance to gain international experience, which I have been aiming for.
• Career Trajectory: If the startup doesn’t succeed, it may impact my long-term career prospects, although I am confident about the person leading it.
The Dilemma
I am conflicted about which path to choose, as both offer distinct advantages and challenges:
• Path 1: Provides structured learning, global exposure, and the chance to enhance my skill set in machine learning and quantitative finance, but it comes with a financial burden and opportunity cost.
• Path 2: Offers practical, impactful work, mentorship, and the rare opportunity to be part of a startup’s foundation. However, it involves high risk, limited international exposure, and the uncertainty of staying in India long-term.
How should I approach this decision?
What factors should I prioritize—long-term career stability, structured learning, financial security, immediate impact, or global exposure?
I am open to answer any additional questions.
Current Situation
I am currently a buy-side quant at an Indian High-Frequency Trading (HFT) firm, where I’ve worked for the past 2.5 years. My total compensation, including base and bonus, is approximately 60-70kUSD annually.
Career Path Options
Path 1: UC Berkeley MFE
I recently have been admitted to the UC Berkeley Master’s in Financial Engineering (MFE) program for the upcoming term. This is a 1-year program that offers the following pros and cons:
Pros:
• Explore Interests: An opportunity to apply machine learning techniques in quantitative finance through research projects.
• Build a Network: Develop a strong international professional network and expand career opportunities.
• Global Exposure: Gain exposure to the global finance industry, including opportunities to work abroad.
Cons:
• Financial Burden: The program is expensive, and I would need to bear a significant financial burden through loans, which I’ll need to repay after graduation.
• Opportunity Cost: Leaving my current job and pausing my career for a year.
• Uncertainty in ROI: While the MFE program is prestigious, there’s no guaranteed outcome in terms of career advancement or higher salary.
Path 2: Joining a New Startup
I’ve been offered a position at a startup being launched by a highly experienced senior quant trader (10+ years of expertise) whom I deeply admire. I would join as one of the first employees.
Pros:
• Impactful Work: The opportunity to work on challenging and meaningful projects from the very beginning.
• Creative Freedom: Flexibility to pursue my own ideas within the firm.
• Unique Opportunity: It’s rare to be part of a startup’s foundation, especially with someone I deeply respect.
• Mentorship: Direct collaboration with an experienced mentor who could guide my growth.
Cons:
• High Risk: Startups inherently come with a high degree of uncertainty, especially in the early stages. Success is not guaranteed.
• Limited Exposure: I would continue to work in India, missing the chance to gain international experience, which I have been aiming for.
• Career Trajectory: If the startup doesn’t succeed, it may impact my long-term career prospects, although I am confident about the person leading it.
The Dilemma
I am conflicted about which path to choose, as both offer distinct advantages and challenges:
• Path 1: Provides structured learning, global exposure, and the chance to enhance my skill set in machine learning and quantitative finance, but it comes with a financial burden and opportunity cost.
• Path 2: Offers practical, impactful work, mentorship, and the rare opportunity to be part of a startup’s foundation. However, it involves high risk, limited international exposure, and the uncertainty of staying in India long-term.
How should I approach this decision?
What factors should I prioritize—long-term career stability, structured learning, financial security, immediate impact, or global exposure?
I am open to answer any additional questions.
