Average day of a pro options trader

[rosy2]

Quote from DarkProtoman:

I do know how to program; taught myself C++ for two years. And I know how automated a trader's job is.

If it's so automated, why do they still hire traders?

"trader" is a job title. some traders actually trade and have discretion. some execute orders. some program. some operate automated algos. some click away all day. some sleep at there desk or watch movies.

 

[DarkProtoman]

Quote from rosy2:

"trader" is a job title. some traders actually trade and have discretion. some execute orders. some program. some operate automated algos. some click away all day. some sleep at there desk or watch movies.

I'd want to actually trade, and do a little programming.

 

[lolatency]

Quote from rosy2:

i agree with lolatency. school name is a filter that I personally use. SAT score is another.

we are not created equal

I don't agree with that, I'm just saying that's how it is. I personally hate the culture and feel like we miss out on some characters who have some real creativity with the Ivy League/SAT filter.

I look for good school as a base, an SAT score above 1350, and after that it's just whether someone's eyes light up at the sound of certain projects. If the job is like IT or something, I don't even care -- just look for experience.

I tend to give the thumbs up when I have to interview a guy with the criteria I see.

 

[cvds16]

funny thing is that when I was on the floor about 18 years ago, most options market makers hadn't even finished university, that didn't necesarily make them worse traders, some of the best were amongst them.

 

[TraderZones]

Quote from DarkProtoman:

What's the average day of a professional options trader (working for a prop firm, hedge fund, or bank)?

I suppose for the first hour and half you do research, then you discuss strategy w/ your coworkers for the next hour and a half, then you trade until the markets close, then you review your trades and make strategy adjustments.

And is the job description of a professional options trader this: continuously quote bids and asks, develop and implement automated trading algorithms?