Miserable in corporate job - identifying why.

I graduated high school last year and have spent a year 'interning' in a fairly niche role at a F500. I'm going to university this year to study Physics.

As of recent, I've felt miserable working in it. I'm not that concerned, as I'm about to have a 4 year break, but I'm a little worried working after.

I think my biggest problem is how slow and long everything takes. It feels like I have to message people 5 times to get something, and there is always tons of bureaucracy in the way. Feels like I'm constantly stressed because I have to remember things I have already done to chase people. For example, having to get a PowerPoint approved before sending it out, I have to message 5 times across a couple of days. On top of that, whilst my work itself can be interesting (it involves some technical skills), it's very repetitive, and I don't really feel invested in the 'strategy' side of my department. I create a solution, and immediately get prescribed a new problem to fix, with no clear benefit. It's not a particularly interesting product, and I have no reason to be invested in the companies success other than getting experience / paid.

I find the corporate lifestyle quite funny - it's almost like everyone has a mask on for work. The classic 10 minutes at a start of the meeting chatting shit about the weekend or whatever is amusing. At the same time, it feels exhausting having to constantly have the facade up. Having said that, I think I've executed it well as I'm on a good first name basis with the entirety of the C-suite, and supposedly (through the grape vine) they appreciate me and my work.

I do enjoy presenting, but I don't know whether that's because it's a new thing for me or because I actually enjoy it. The more senior the more fun.

I have two questions:

1) Does the work become more enjoyable / do you naturally become more invested the more senior you become?

2) Is this exclusive just to the non-finance corporate environment, or just work in general? Am thinking of pursuing trading so can avoid having to deal with this bullshit.

If anyone felt similar, and has found solace in their career, please let me know. 

Thank you.