How To Break Into Quant Trading (As A Trader)

Hey there, fellow traders! It's your friendly neighborhood coding genius, and today I'm going to share with you three essential steps to break into the exciting world of proprietary trading. Whether you're a quant trader or just a regular ol' trader, these tips will help you pave your way to success. So buckle up and let's get started!

Step 1: Get Your Degree (Preferably in Math or Economics)

Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's set some expectations straight. This advice is primarily targeted at those between the ages of 16 and 25 who are looking to kickstart their trading career as junior traders. Sorry, folks above the age of 45, but becoming a junior trader at this stage might be a bit of a stretch. But fear not, young guns, because I'm here to guide you on your journey!

The first thing you need is a solid educational foundation. Ideally, a degree in math or economics will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to excel in this field. Now, if you already have a business degree and are looking to make a career switch, don't worry! It's still possible, but it may require a bit more effort and determination to prove your passion and dedication to potential employers. Show them that you're hungry for success and willing to go the extra mile!

Step 2: Embrace the Power of a Book (Option Volatility and Pricing)

Now, here's the real secret weapon that will set you apart from the competition. Get yourself a copy of "Option Volatility and Pricing: Advanced Trading Strategies and Techniques" by Sheldon Natenberg. Trust me, this book is a game-changer!

As a quant developer myself, I read this book during my transition into the industry, and it blew my mind. I devoured its 540 pages on a vacation in Mexico, and while I may not remember every single detail, that doesn't matter. The key is to retain at least 50% of the knowledge within these pages.

This book will equip you with a deep understanding of trading strategies and options, which are essential in proprietary trading firms. Mastering the concepts outlined in "Option Volatility and Pricing" will impress your interviewers and drastically increase your chances of landing that dream job. Seriously, they might even ask you to sign a contract right then and there!

Step 3: Gain Trading Experience (No Day Trading, Please!)

Lastly, but certainly not least, you need to back up your knowledge with practical experience. But hold your horses, my friends! I'm not talking about claiming to be a day trader or relying on technical indicators. You'll get laughed out of the room if you try that.

Instead, open a brokerage account, deposit a modest sum (maybe $500), and start playing around with options. Develop and execute your own trading strategies, but be smart about it. Don't go crazy with margin trading just yet. Prove that you have a solid understanding of options by implementing well-thought-out and calculated trades.

Having this real-life trading experience will give you an edge during interviews. Imagine confidently discussing the strategies you've implemented and using them as proof of your abilities. This is particularly important if you don't have a business, economics, or math degree. Combine this hands-on experience with the knowledge you've gained from "Option Volatility and Pricing," and you'll leap ahead of 70% of other candidates!

The Holy Grail of Proprietary Trading

Congratulations! You've made it through the three essential steps. Now, walk through that door with your head held high because you've set yourself up for success. Once you're in, the big bucks start rolling in. I'm talking about salaries ranging from $150,000 to $200,000, and lavish bonuses that could reach into the millions of dollars. And hey, who knows, this success might even attract an exotic partner knocking on your door or sliding into your DMs!

But before you embark on this epic journey, remember that I'm here to help. I've already assisted countless individuals in landing jobs at top fang companies, and I'd be more than happy to review your resume. Simply click on the Calendly link in the description box below and let my expertise guide you towards success.

Don't forget to give this video a thumbs up, subscribe to my channel, and share it with your friends who are interested in trading. Let's spread the gospel of Coding Jesus and build a vibrant community of traders!

And finally, join our Discord community for like-minded individuals eager to learn and grow. The link is conveniently located in the description box below.

Thanks for watching, my friends. Cheers to your futures as successful proprietary traders!