Pros: Fast-paced environment and interesting work.

Cons: Lack of proper feedback and reflection on performance. Most of the interns with exceptional performance didn't end up having return offers.

Pros: Work with some of the brightest minds to solve challenging problems in the financial markets. Free breakfast, lunch, and entertainment.

Cons: Work can get intense sometimes.

Pros: - Good pay (they'll almost always beat any competitor) - Free breakfast and lunch, which tastes good on most days - Free coffee until midday - Good resume booster But honestly, don't let these perks lure you.

Cons: - Very high expectations and BS performance reviews mean that you could be below average and get fired very quickly. I've seen smart and competent people shown the door. - Within the first few months, I saw quite a few people disappear or leave. There was even someone that resigned due to mental health problems (more than likely caused by work-related stress). If this place is so great, why do people leave? Seriously ask yourself that before joining. - Projects are an absolute mess. As a dev, you'll be a project manager, tester, and support, which is on top of your usual dev work. - Limited career growth outside of finance, and the tech is an outdated mess. Honestly, try finding a C++ job outside of HFT that pays in the same ballpark. So, make sure you plan an exit route. - Engineers are a pay grade below. Seriously, a second-year junior trader earns the same as a senior (L3) developer. - Individualist environment means people are always fighting for their bonus. - Got yelled at by a frustrated manager because I made an honest mistake and was a little slow to interpret something. - Be wary of teams with low headcount where only newcomers join and people just leave. - If you get an offer at a big tech company, take that option. The slightly extra $ you get is not worth the career risk. I'm glad I made the switch and got out early.