Wall Street continues to seek the largest returns with the least amount of long term risk. As firms analyze their positions in the market they realize that the competition continues to invest in human capital with strong quantitative and technological backgrounds. The continued emphasis on large volume, high impact trading will increase the demand for people with advanced degrees in quantitative disciplines with strong modeling and presentations skills. This type of candidate is more inclined to make a career decision as opposed to a “job change”. These candidates will want to work at a firm that is at the forefront of market innovation and has a proven track record in mentoring and managing this level of talent. Compensation will not be the most important reason for changing firms. A combination of visibility, market domination and perception of team leadership will be key in the decision – making process.