What to do next?

[rashm2k]

Job security?

I mean Barcap are less likely to crumble and dissappear whereas hedge funds crop up all the time? (At least thats the impression I get from the news).

In which case, the BarCap role, IMHO.

EDIT: Mind you, I have turned them down. Twice.

obviously job security is a pro for Barcap, but is the pay signinficantly better at an IB? Is the training much better? Or is the route to contracing quicker?

BTW why have you turned them down?

My advice is to specialise in one area and have another area for backup. For example I am specialised in SQL/BI (that's all the Microsoft SQL and BI toolset). I also have 2 years .NET experience should I need to go down that route (it has also proved useful in getting roles as well).

The more niche your area is the more money it pays generally. If you specialise in certain Oracle or IBM products for example you will be much better off than somebody like me.

I'll be specialising in Java development (Hibernate, Spring and J2EE), but I'm not the average Java dude, I do similar stuff I do at work in my spare time as well, I'm always messing with my Linux distro, VMware, Android Apps, QtApps for Meego etc.

[kingcook]

I mean Barcap are less likely to crumble and dissappear whereas hedge funds crop up all the time? (At least thats the impression I get from the news).

I think stek is trying to say that the words "job" and "security" are something that employees are concerned with, not contractors/business (wo)men.

[ddaft]

Barcap is very much a contract house these days but beware even by city standards they are volatile. Constantly churning both perms and contractors and i heard a rate cut is imminent there to follow UBS and RBS.

I heard gloucester research is a nice place to work. Software house like mentality but with longer hours.

Have you considered a couple of years stint with one of the finance tech consultancies like Sapient or Infusion? They wouldn't pay as much but get you some decent experience to set you up for more lucrative contract later down the line.

[rashm2k]

Barcap is very much a contract house these days but beware even by city standards they are volatile. Constantly churning both perms and contractors and i heard a rate cut is imminent there to follow UBS and RBS.

I heard gloucester research is a nice place to work. Software house like mentality but with longer hours.

Have you considered a couple of years stint with one of the finance tech consultancies like Sapient or Infusion? They wouldn't pay as much but get you some decent experience to set you up for more lucrative contract later down the line.

Ah I see what he meant - for the moment I'm going to be a permie.

Do you mean gloucester research is longer compared to barcap and other IB's - thats quite a statement given that IB have long working hours anyway!

BTW I'm working for a constultancy at the moment so it would be not be much point moving to another constultancy when I can just work in finance with my current company. I'd only consider an IB, but the agent has recommended the hedge fund.

[ddaft]

General banking IT hours are 9-6ish with early starts for releases and often support rotas to support the trading desks from 7.30/8. Hedge funds vary wildly with hours I have heard though depending on the setup but I think Gloucester is one of the more reasonable ones. I know someone there who came from a bank who is very happy with the move and says he wouldnt go back to a bank.