About a year ago I realize that I want to be a trader. I interview with a prop shop not even knowing how thier business model works. They make an offer to hire me if I put up 10k. I want to give it a try but intuitively I realize that they want to turn me into a scalper and a commision generater. I turn them down. But I don't even consider going with an investment bank instead. They recruit ivy league graduates with connections right out of college - I hardly ever see an advertised position in the New York Times. Most traders seem better off on thier own unless they have the right degree or connections to get into old boys network. If I had the degree or experience I'd definately go with the bank over the prop shop.

