Trying my hand at HFT

Google
fDkl05

Go to company page Google

fDkl05
Dec 24, 2021 25 Comments

Feeling like my brain is rotting away at G + I’m very surprised by how low my equity refresh was despite promo this year. I know this is coming from a very privileged standpoint but it hit especially hard since a friend of mine just got an offer for 300k+ and only has a few months more experience than me. The difference of ~55k isn’t significant but just the idea of a pay gap so early in my career here is annoying.

Comp at HFTs seems very high in comparison (seeing some 400k+ for new grad SWE on levels) and the flat structure sounds more appealing by the day. I’ve heard the interviews are brutal and WLB tanks significantly though.

Curious if anyone who left big tech has had a good time in HFT type places and if the jump was worth it. Equally interested in hearing the opposite experience as well. In case anyone is open to DMs, I’d really appreciate if I can reach out to ask more questions!

TC: 255
YOE: 2.5

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TOP 25 Comments
  • Apple
    moolah

    Go to company page Apple

    moolah
    Do you have a PhD?
    Dec 24, 2021 7
  • Your pay is below the market in big tech right now. You would get 300-320 at FB and Amazon.
    Dec 24, 2021 3
    • Google
      derder

      Go to company page Google

      derder
      This 👆👆👆
      Dec 24, 2021
    • Google
      fDkl05

      Go to company page Google

      fDkl05
      OP
      I agree with @snap but I also think that comp recently for L4 has been skyrocketing - most notable example is my friend’s who got 300k+ but has just under 3YOE. I guess with competing offers you can justify hitting top of the band and the front loaded equity helps too
      Dec 24, 2021
  • Be aware that flat hierarchy comes with its own challenges, where the power / scope of project is more reflected by peer reputation, leadership and your own approach to select projects rather than promo plan and official company review. Think twice if you excel in such domains.
    Dec 24, 2021 1
    • Google
      fDkl05

      Go to company page Google

      fDkl05
      OP
      That’s really interesting, hadn’t thought about this aspect. I guess with no formal levels, it makes sense for tenure and reputation to play larger roles but I can see why it can lead to problems. Thanks a lot for the input!
      Dec 24, 2021
  • Google / Eng
    SeeSwe

    Go to company page Google Eng

    PRE
    Amazon, Microsoft
    SeeSwe
    I did the reverse. Spent time in HFTs to retire to G to relax.

    They are very different stress and workloads. If you are wanting a more intense experience I would go for it. The comp is better but it does come at a price, and it always looks good on the resume.

    I would go for it if I were you. The change will fight the brain rot.

    DM if you want more comments
    Dec 24, 2021 2
    • Google
      fDkl05

      Go to company page Google

      fDkl05
      OP
      Thanks a lot! Sounds great, I’ll definitely DM to hear more about your experience
      Dec 24, 2021
    • I’ve been considering a similar lifestyle. Do you ever regret it? I enjoy quant finance culture, but it has been so long since I’ve been in pure tech that I’m not sure how much I would like the people. It seems like the probability of having annoying or overly political coworkers is higher. Do you agree?
      Dec 24, 2021
  • I went from a FAANG with similar YOE to Jane Street (which is not an HFT firm, but...). I like it a lot more. There’s a lot less bureaucracy and it’s easier to get stuff done. I think an individual's impact feels a lot larger here, though this has more to do with the big tech experience than anything specific to trading firms.

    WLB is fine by finance standards. I work 45, and am not pressured to do more.

    I think our interviews are fair but our standards are high. Comp is significantly higher than FAANG.
    Dec 25, 2021 2
    • Google
      fDkl05

      Go to company page Google

      fDkl05
      OP
      Thanks a lot for chiming in! From everything I’ve read so far, JS definitely sounds very appealing. Is there anything you miss from your big tech experience? Also in case you have any interview prep suggestions, I’d love to hear them! I’ve never gone past the standard FAANG DS&A type questions but seems like system design + OS and networking may be fair game here?
      Dec 26, 2021
    • Google
      4everL3

      Go to company page Google

      4everL3
      Also, are you swe or quant dev?
      Jan 11