That stuff looks a heck of a lot different from the inside looking out than it does from the outside looking in!
My son, a former financial analyst and trader for a major bank is now working as a recruiter for a manufacturing concern.
Yes, I know. My father worked for Goldman Sachs, Maufacturer Hanover among others way back in the day! I am familiar with the lifestyle and the stress involved however it is something I enjoy doing so I would like to pursue it if I can.
I also love modeling financial markets! For my senior Thesis, I formulated an econometric model of the S&P 500 and used it to predict future movements of the market. Decently accurate, I am still working on it as a hobby because it is so much darn fun! I’m one of those weird guys who has a whiteboard filled with mathematical equations on one wall and a computer screen with a statistical program up on the other.
I am the very definition of a mathematical economics/financial math nerd!
Like Bigun’s son I am in staffing at a major defense firm. Your degree is something we would be very interested in if you do not mind making things that kill people.
On the other hand.......I very seriously doubt that the “Wall Street” trader route is the one to take. The restrictions placed on the brokerage houses when they became banks after taking the bailout money has changed the game considerably. If you were going to work for Goldman you would have been recruited by them already......like your cohorts up the road at the Duke MBA program.
I have a friend who is a recruiter for JP Morgan...I’d be glad to share your resume and seek some advice from him for you. Freepmail me.