best internship for a sophomore looking to get into trading

I've applied to a ton of internships, trading ones for sophomores are few and far between. The vast majority of prop shops don't take sophomores. I was wondering what looks best as an internship for a sophomore looking to get into quant? Probably doing research or some CS internship I would assume? My goal is to get some sort of trading role at a small asset management firm, I think that would for sure help.

I'm studying CS but am not particularly advanced, but do have a hook that quant firms look for and am top 0.1% in that field which is very competitive and applicable.

5 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems like you're on the right track! For a sophomore interested in quant trading, gaining experience in research or a CS internship could indeed be beneficial.

Quant firms often look for candidates with strong mathematical and computational skills. So, any experience that allows you to demonstrate these skills could be advantageous. This could include internships in data analysis, algorithm development, or even software engineering.

Also, don't underestimate the value of your unique hook! If it's something that quant firms find desirable and it sets you apart in a competitive field, it could certainly catch the eye of recruiters.

Remember, the goal of an internship is not just to get a foot in the door, but also to acquire the skills and knowledge that will make you a strong candidate for future roles. So, choose an internship that aligns with your interests and where you believe you can learn the most.

Lastly, don't be discouraged if you're finding it challenging to land a quant internship as a sophomore. Many firms do prefer juniors or seniors, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Keep applying, networking, and building your skills. Your persistence and passion for the field will shine through!

Sources: Best internships for Quant Trading?, Best sophomore internship for junior year IB?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I did a data analytics internship in high school actually, but if I'm being honest the chances of me getting a ML internship seems low. I know scikit and the basic data science stuff but haven't really taken any meaningful classes towards them. I'm not really sure if some data analytics internship will look good, although I suppose it's better than nothing

 

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