I'm really interested in pursuing a career that can increase my earnings, and since I'm currently earning £67k as a Senior, I know I could move to another role offering around £80k. However, I keep hearing about DevOps positions in High Frequency Trading (HFT) with salaries surpassing £100k, which is tempting. My issue is that I often feel overwhelmed by the belief that you need to be in the top 1% of performers to succeed in these roles.
I'm not looking to stay in HFT long-term; I just want to gain some valuable experience for a year or two before transitioning to contracting work. With that in mind, what should I focus on learning or studying? Are there any insights from people working in HFT, particularly in London, about what skills are essential?
4 Answers
Absolutely! Don't forget about the math behind the algorithms. Strong analytical skills will be essential, especially if you're aiming for interviews that test your problem-solving abilities.
Even though I'm not directly in HFT, I do work in a hedge fund that engages in HFT activities. The best advice I can give you is to focus on learning C and C++, as well as low latency networking. Understanding the low-level workings of these systems is crucial. Yes, it can be competitive, but with the right skills and determination, you can definitely break in!
Honestly, you just need to be faster at the same tasks you already do! Focus on improving your coding efficiency and performance. Don't let self-doubt hold you back. There's always room to grow!
I'd recommend diving into Linux and getting familiar with kernel-level programming. A solid grasp of low-level networking, along with some math and algorithms for interviews, can really give you an edge.
True! But remember, HFT demands a different level of speed and precision. It's not just about doing the same things faster; it's about optimizing every aspect of your code.