The easiest way to get a prop trading job is by starting out as a programmer. Most trading systems are built in c++ (Java prob number 2 in popularity), so you'd

The easiest way to get a prop trading job is by starting out as a programmer. Most trading systems are built in c++ (Java prob number 2 in popularity), so you'd need to master that. Once you're employed at a firm like that it is very doable to transition to a hybrid programmer/quant role. There are vey few non-programming quant roles left on Wall Street and you chances of getting one without a ph.d. are slim.