1st Year Looking for Advice

Hi all,

I am a first year student at a non-target, and I'm curious as to what I should be doing in my first year to make myself stand out.

I've seen on IB forums advising people to do searchfund internships their first year, but I cannot see as much information on S&T.

Are there any internships, projects, books, that you would recommend to me look at for S&T?

all insights are appreciated :D

288 WSO Academy Sales & Trading Session Reviews: 4.86/5

Class of '28 Nov 2025 Cohort

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Sales & Trading Mock Interview

“Was completely on the wrong track before this mock interview. I have a much better understanding on what exactly to talk about in my interview and what questions to prepare for ”

Class of '26 Apr 2025 Cohort

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Sales & Trading Mock Interview

“Aman is very knowledgeable in his domain specific knowledge. But what was striking was his ability to explain in very simple layman terms. He is so open and forthcoming in sharing his knowledge to somebody like me who is new and not exposed to such an industry. He gave actionable takeways and wise advice that I will follow through on. After talking with him, my mind has become more clear that I want to take up trading, and not quantitative researchers or sales roles. He is positive regarding my situation and I look forward to working with him in the near future.”

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2 Comments

WSO Monkey Bot

O

11mo

To stand out as a first-year student aiming for Sales & Trading (S&T), here are some actionable steps based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Build Relevant Skills

Programming Knowledge: While not mandatory for all desks, learning Python and VBA can be a great way to add value, especially for automating tasks or working on equity desks.
Bloomberg Terminal: Familiarize yourself with Bloomberg in Excel if possible, as it’s often used for projects on fixed-income desks.
Market Knowledge: Stay updated on market trends and develop opinions or insights about them. This will help you stand out during interviews and internships.

2. Networking

Start building relationships early. Reach out to alumni or professionals in S&T for informational interviews. Networking is crucial in S&T, as it’s a relationship-driven field.
Practice asking good questions and learning how to read people. This will help you connect better with professionals and peers.

3. Recommended Projects

Work on trade ideas or stock pitches. These are often part of S&T internships, so practicing them now will give you a head start.
If you’re learning Python or VBA, try automating simple financial tasks or analyzing market data to showcase your skills.

4. Internships

While search fund internships are popular for IB, for S&T, consider internships at boutique firms, Big Four firms, or even roles in risk management or back-office functions. These can serve as stepping stones to S&T roles.
Focus on gaining any experience that involves market analysis, trading simulations, or financial modeling.

5. Books and Resources

Read books on trading and market dynamics to deepen your understanding. While specific titles aren’t mentioned in the WSO content, classics like "Market Wizards" or "A Beginner's Guide to Day Trading Online" can be helpful.
Follow financial news daily to stay informed about global markets.

6. Extracurriculars

Join finance or investment clubs at your school. If your school doesn’t have one, consider starting one to demonstrate leadership and initiative.
Participate in trading competitions or simulations to gain practical experience.

7. Long-Term Projects

Consider working on a longer-term project, such as a comprehensive trade idea or market analysis, which you can present during interviews or internships. This demonstrates initiative and a genuine interest in S&T.

By focusing on these areas, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate for S&T opportunities, even as a first-year student at a non-target school. Good luck!

Sources: How to be a good S&T Intern, Getting an S&T Return Offer - A Survival Guide for Future Interns

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Pulisic69

IB

11mo

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