Moving from Tech to Trading?

DJ Paradox asks: "I've been working in IT for around 11 years now and more recently in IT Security within the Finance/Investment Bank arena. I'm looking into the prospects of a change to an entirely different field, working on the trading floor. I've read a few books on trading but most of them seem to be geared toward the Do-It-Yourself-Day-Trader instead of a professional career. I don't have a finance degree but have a permanent position with a good sized global bank and a manager who is willing to help. So I ask Slashdot if anyone has recommendations for courses, books, websites that I should cover to get a head start in this transition. Have any of you made a similar jump? Should I try to move towards a more trader-aligned tech group first and build relationships? Should I try to go for Equities or Futures & Options trading? What markets would be the best to start/learn with?"

Comments

This is great

[baldass_newbie]

How many /. teenagers are looking at the screen trying to figure out what it is you're asking.

Wait, what was the question?

Let me help.

[Jester998]

I have put a great deal of effort into consideration of your question, and I hope the following answers will be of use to you.

I don't have a finance degree
No problem, it's not like it's *your* money you're spending. In fact, I personally use the "Bank of Joe" for all my financial transactions. It's run by this guy down the street, who has no formal training, or even a real vault, but he seems eager enough. His service fees are *killer* though.

have a permanent position with a good sized global bank
Learning by osmosis, always the best way. It definitely helped several of my friends to succeed at university.

So I ask Slashdot
As a career move, this ranks somewhere around "seppuku... with a butter knife".

if anyone has recommendations for courses, books, websites
I recommend taking some courses in formal logic. I understand the curriculum is both interesting and enlightening.

Should I try to move towards a more trader-aligned tech group first and build relationships?
Sure, but she might get mad when you take advantage of that plural relationship.

Should I try to go for Equities or Futures & Options trading?
This is a tough call, but I'd have to say "yes".

What markets would be the best to start/learn with?
Your options are, of course, varied; however, I recommend a local farmer's market. Their produce is far superior to those of bigger chains, and who better to learn from than the people who grow the crops?

Re:Awesome question, I have one too.

[mwvdlee]

Better yet, outsource the burning!
Just sent the $1000 to me and I'll burn it for you.
It'll only cost $100 and also doubles as an introduction to the concept of middlemen.
(tax not included)