I work for one of these firms. I think the article's creating a false dichotomy.<p>It's nothing like academia or a stereotypical think-tank. The environment is very aggressive, high-pressure, and results oriented. Nobody cares about your pedigree so long as your ideas work and make them money. Trading is one of the most purely competitive businesses in the world.<p>Most of the players are basically alpha male types who can do math and code. I actually think it's a great fit for people who are aggressive and entrepreneurial.<p>(And no, we're not front-running your orders or clubbing baby seals, despite the media's insistence otherwise.)