First Post : FX trader

1. yes traders speculate with FX...spreads are so thin, how do you think they make any p/l?
2. math, computer science, stats, econ. in that order.
3. personal trading is good to show interest in the markets, for S&T anyway. props are more about raw mental aptitude (hence tough majors..see 2.)
4. the most important thing in trading is risk management. The more you understand that, the easier it is to show that you've spent some serious time learning about trading.
5. apply to sophomore internships this fall. BB's, local investment banks, commodity shops (trafigura, etc) and props (Optiver, drw, sig, etc.)
6. learn programming (i recommend python), quantopia is a good resource, as well as quantstart. Try developing a trading algorithim (sounds fancy, but its basically a set of rules your program follows. Check quantopia for help.)
7. develop a view on FX. Central banks are pouring free money into the markets..what does that mean? High inflation? Whats the relationship between economies? Example: Mexico's central bank will only increase rates when the U.S. does, in order to keep the currency competitive, even though their economy isn't as healthy as the U.S. is...what trading opportunities do you see there? (check futures on peso to dollar..whats implied from the price difference, etc)

My point is, there is a lot you can do to learn more about the industry and so long as you continue to show interest, expand your boundaries of knowledge, and start networking, you can definitely land an internship at a reputable company. Especially as a sophomore, any relevant experience is good experience.