HFT to Tech switch

Sep 23, 2020 17 Comments

Hi folks, I want to switch to tech/product company as I feel I'm doing something which might not have market value.
Could anyone tell how easy or difficult is it to switch from HFT to product company for a senior role. The work I am doing at HFT might not be relevant for the product company. For example designing scalable systems and stuff.
#tech #hft

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TOP 17 Comments
  • Airbnb
    mcmcmboy

    Go to company page Airbnb

    mcmcmboy
    Honestly think carefully about making the switch. I did prop trading and HFT to SV tech and really regret it. The quality of talent at FAANGs is quite a bit lower than in trading and there’s far less of a focus on performance vs getting things out. Google and FB have the most “scalability” and interesting systems problems but good luck both getting on a team where you can really drive a lot of impact and also being lucky enough to get cool projects.

    FB is full of “hacky” engineers nowadays and pretty political. The unicorns (I work at Airbnb) are even worse. Don’t even get me started on Uber— I’ve met a single really competent engineer from Uber from nearly two dozen I’ve worked with.

    So really do due diligence on the team and make sure you’re joining a group that’s technically stellar and doing work that’s going to be motivating.
    Sep 23, 2020 9
    • Citadel
      Chariot

      Go to company page Citadel

      Chariot
      @mcmcmboy why do you say don't apply online and instead use a recruiter? Won't the process be the same after your resume gets picked
      Sep 25, 2020
    • Airbnb
      mcmcmboy

      Go to company page Airbnb

      mcmcmboy
      Eh just that it’s faster using an in house recruiter. @Chariot.

      @Rqdk88 basically just that the time you spend at one company is time you could have spent elsewhere. There’s a cost to switching in that sense.
      Sep 25, 2020
  • Citadel
    freedommm

    Go to company page Citadel

    freedommm
    Difficult for seniors. Different set of problems, so require different skills set.
    Sep 25, 2020 0
  • Walmart
    firetoad

    Go to company page Walmart

    firetoad
    Stick to hft
    Sep 23, 2020 0
  • I think it'll be hard to switch to an equally senior role because you won't have the relevant design experience on massive systems. If you're willing to take a temporary hit, I'm sure someone who survived 8+ years in HFT will shine at FAANG
    Sep 25, 2020 2
  • Roku
    Xddddddddd

    Go to company page Roku

    Xddddddddd
    Won’t you retire in like 5-10 years after working at a HFT?
    Sep 23, 2020 0