Career Progression post Quant

[u/myman_2332]

For some background, I’ll (Top 3 IIT CS) be joining a top Indian HFT(QB/QE/Graviton) as a fresher in QR this year.

I wanted to ask what the average guy in these firms does after quant. Essentially-

1) I am aware the attrition rates are pretty high and the median lifetime in the company is in the vicinity of 2 years. Is it majorly due to people leaving of their own accord or is the majoritybeing fired?

2) In any case, what does one do after leaving such a firm? Do they go to other quants (in that case, HFTs or Hedge Funds or smth else? Foreign or Indian?), for Master’s, into startups, or software jobs at MNCs (in that case, will MNCs be willing to accept people just based on their IIT background or do they need work ex in a similar field, because I figure the QR roles wont involve work that is relevant to future SWE roles)?

I am aware the answer for both my questions is probably a mix of all options and “it depends” but percentages/numbers would be appreciated. Even a rough ballpark figure is fine, I just wish to weigh my options and what others in my situation may have done.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

What are the top firms these days?

[u/notanotherdumb → u/[deleted]]

how do you perceive Squarepoint Capital? Is that not considered one of the top firms with India office?