How to become a prop trader being a foreigner and a music graduate?

Discussion in 'Professional Trading' started by skatuka, Jun 23, 2015.

  1. skatuka

    skatuka

    Dear colleagues,

    Greetings to you all from the sunny Kazakhstan.
    This is my first post.

    I am a graduate from a famous British music college. However, continuing with music is not currently set in my plans.
    My current interest is in finding a way of getting into a prop trading firm (so I could have a mentor beside me) in the US.

    Problem is, they
    1) require some maths background of which I have none since mid-school.
    2) they would need a strong incentive to sponsor a visa for a foreigner (because they could find anyone as good as me in the US).

    I feel very unfortunate that trading is not developed in my country.
    But, I always keep a positive mind towards a lucky opportunity.
    Life, as you know, is about sustaining failures even if doing things right.

    Would love to hear from you, guys. Been a long time lurker over here.

    Best wishes,

    Skatuka
     
  2. Given the large amount of viable candidates here in the U.S. and the fact that a prop trader at a firm is usually not an employee, the chances of you getting sponsored for a visa by a prop firm are pretty much ZERO. If you get here on your own and have initial capital, you can join many prop firms but at your own cost. Sorry but sponsoring someone for a visa is a timely and very expensive matter and there is just no incentive for a prop firm to do that when they have the pick of the litter of U.S. citizens already in their own backyard who bring no immigration baggage from the U.S. government. You will have a better chance in Europe. Just want to put some reality here.
     
  3. xioxxio

    xioxxio

    You need to get on a flight and go to the US and knock on as many doors as possible until someone says yes. It is going to be very difficult but it is possible.
     
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2015
  4. skatuka

    skatuka

    Thanks!

    I like the idea of keeping my mind open to which your reply complements.
    I know at least two people who by the chance of fate managed to get an offer.
    The speculation is that they were perceived to be Jewish.
    Wish I got as lucky as they did.
     
  5. If you are saying to disregard immigration laws and simply knock on doors asking for a job and visa support, it is not going to happen. A prop firm does not hire people, they allow you to trade with your own money and their leverage and you need a SS#. Just showing up at a prop with no money or legal status is not going to get you in the door. The last thing a prop firm needs is to get DHS on their butts for assisting someone for overstaying their tourist visa.
     
  6. garachen

    garachen


    Which instruments do you play and who are your favorite composers and why?
     
  7. skatuka

    skatuka

    Piano. Love all composers except ultra modern. One in particularly whom I like more than others is Beethoven because of his diversity of imagination and will to endure extreme hardships.
     
  8. qxr1011

    qxr1011


    Prop trading is useless if you think they will teach you how to make money... they won't

    If you hope that they will sponsor your visa - they are also useless...they won't

    If you what to get to USA, then get to USA on the tourist visa, and then do what everybody does who wants to stay here.... just stay

    Same thing with trading - if you want to trade - just trade... actually you can do that in Kazahstan as well. And given the difference in time you can play piano during the day those making a living (it is difficult to trade on empty stomach) and then trade at night...
     
    londonkid likes this.
  9. qxr1011

    qxr1011

    If you want to become a Jew it is not so difficult.. there are companies on Brighton Beach will make you a Jew in 30 minutes ( i am sure it can be done in Kazakhstan as well), but it will cost you. :)

    Unfortunately, it will not make you a better trader....
     
  10. skatuka

    skatuka

    I've seen your other posts. You are keeping it real and I like it.
    However, keeping a glimmer of hope at all times is good and I'm doing it.
     
    #10     Jun 24, 2015