Advice for a freshman

For a freshman aiming for a career in Sales & Trading (S&T), here's a breakdown of actionable advice based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Recruiting Process:

   • S&T recruiting is less structured compared to IB or PE. It often involves a mix of technical and behavioral interviews, with a focus on market knowledge, mental math, and sometimes coding (depending on the desk).
   • Start preparing early by understanding market trends, reading financial news (e.g., WSJ, Bloomberg), and familiarizing yourself with trading concepts.

2. Networking:

   • Networking is crucial, even at a target school. Reach out to alumni working in S&T roles, attend on-campus events, and schedule coffee chats.
   • Build relationships with professionals who can vouch for your interest and skills. Networking can help you secure interviews and stand out in a competitive pool.

3. Freshman and Sophomore Internships:

   • For your freshman summer, aim for internships that demonstrate interest in finance or markets. Options include:
     • Local boutique firms.
     • Corporate finance roles.
     • Startups or small trading firms.
   • For sophomore summer, target more relevant roles like internships at trading firms, hedge funds, or even rotational programs at larger banks.

4. Resources for Interview Prep:

   • Focus on developing a strong understanding of market concepts, mental math, and basic coding (Python or VBA can be helpful).
   • Use resources like WSO guides, Vault guides, and books like "Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives" by John Hull.
   • Practice behavioral questions to craft a compelling story about your interest in trading.

5. Other Advice:

   • Join your university’s investment or trading club to gain hands-on experience and leadership opportunities.
   • Stay updated on market trends and practice explaining them concisely.
   • Consider learning basic coding to enhance your technical skills, as some desks value programming knowledge.

By focusing on these steps, you'll position yourself well for S&T recruiting and build a strong foundation for future opportunities.

Sources: Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking, Two Internships Later: What I wish I Knew While Recruiting! (Toronto), Freshmen: What to do during your freshman year summer, As a freshman what should I be doing?, In Search of Wisdom