Career in Fixed Income Vs Asset Management?
Asked by Sweet_Kate
I am an experienced Senior Software developer with 8 years in IT. I recently received an offer from Merrill Lynch as Vice President in the Asset Management group with 130K base. I also have another offer from GoldMan Sachs as Assistant Vice President in Fixed Income Group (Front Office) as 120K base. It appears that the job in Merrill Lynch will provide more oppurtunities for growth. I will be heavily working with traders and learn Fixed Income business if I were to take the offer from GoldMan. I am confused in deciding my career paths. Any help would be appreciated.

Best Answer:
Without knowing what your job function is with either ML or GS all I can recommend is that you really do more research on each area you were offered the position. Fixed income and asset management are general terms and both encompass many facets of finance, so it really comes down to which sector and position you would enjoy more and can see a future in. I am assuming that your offers are within different product groups. In addition, it always helps me when I list out all the pros and cons of working with each bank and compare. The list should include any postive or negative items about the job position, industry, etc. And then prioritize what is more important for you and see what ends up as the better alternative . What I usually look at: - Compensation package (this one should be easy) - Position responsibilities (which is more appealing/interesting) - Boss/people (what was your gut feel after interacting with people during your interviews) - Company culture - Both banks probably have very different cultures even though both are extremely cut throat and quant. heavy banks; Likes and dislikes. - Industry (ML and GS have different strengths - is the product group you will join the best place to be to gain expertise/experience?) - Career growth (which you mentioned before) Hope this was helpful Best of luck!
I work on the asset management side for our Fixed Income division at my company.
Answered by cmuag97