ER or FI path?

AAA

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Fellas,

Lately, I�m pondering the advantages/disadv of both careers which I got in contact or will get in the near future (though in a very green level), namely:

ER: 5 months trainee in a major European bank in my country, kind of research assistant. Good job done, possibilities of coming back as junior analyst there or hopefuly in another place, at least in a shop.

FI: upcoming summer internship at the trading desk of another major bank in London, no frightened for anything but my English fluency.

My original desire was to get into ER and to grow there as usual, pursue the CFA and keep on posting in AF but as far as I�m concerned, fixed income guys are better paid though I don�t know whether I�m going to be able to deal with PhD�s and quants (given that FI is stuffed with, isn�t it?).

On the other hand, after MBA level, the prospects of ER are clear and rewarding (i.e. senior analyst, PM, officer in a formerly covered co. etc) but I�m not so sure about either the trading desk or the FI turf.

So, the questions are straightforward:

1- Is FI actually a better rewarded career?

2 - if so, how % roughtly above ER?

3 - Assuming all is ok, where traders eventually end up after 4/5 years in the market? Maybe in a Hedge Fund?

My profile follows in case it gives a hint:

- BA Business, major in Finance; pretty good marks and univ though not the best
- Kind of BS in Actuarial Science
- Another CFA LI cand, time and background enough to pass (hopefully)

Cheers mates, notice that nobody can advice better that those within the industry and this could definitely lean me to one path or another. And sorry for the length!

"Luck does not exist, but merely likelihoods"



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at Thursday, May 4, 2006 at 05:44AM by AAA.
 
Your advice is very appreciated, bump!

"Luck does not exist, but merely likelihoods"
 
I'd prefer fixed income to ER, but that's because I don't find ER appealing at all.

I don't work in either though.
 
Depends on personality and interests to me. Remember it is not always about money. Trading fits in well with an aggressive personality and someone who can think on their feet really fast. You also have to be able to learn to read the market and various trends.

There is a good chance you may start out making more in trading, but good analysts at good firms can make sweet rake too.

Bottom line: go with what your interests are. If you like analyzing companies and industries and understanding what factors currently drive and will drive company value ER is for you.
 
Thanks all,

You are definitely right, after all, at least this summer I�ll have to chance to make up my mind.

"Luck does not exist, but merely likelihoods"
 
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