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Ah, the quest for that golden first-year summer trading internship in London! Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's not uncommon for students to seek out internships early in their academic careers. While the context doesn't provide a specific list of trading internships, here's a general approach based on what's been shared in the forums:

  1. Networking: This is key. Engage with professionals through LinkedIn, alumni networks, or trading events. Sometimes it takes just a few cold emails, but more often, it's about building relationships over time through multiple interactions, like coffee chats.

  2. Boutique Firms: Smaller shops can be more receptive to taking on first-year students. It might be worth researching and reaching out to boutique trading firms in London.

  3. University Resources: Utilize your university's career services or trading clubs to connect with companies that have previously taken interns.

  4. Online Applications: Keep an eye on the career pages of firms you're interested in, as some might offer structured programs for first-years.

  5. Persistence: It might take dozens of applications and follow-ups, so don't be discouraged by initial rejections.

Remember, the early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the early trader gets the internship! Keep hustling, and you might just land a great spot on the trading floor.

Sources: London IB Summer Internship Discussion 2018, London IB Summer Internship Discussion 2018, 1st year Summer, London IB Summer Analyst 2021 Internship Discussion, IB Summer Internship 2021 London

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
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Best bet would be to apply to smaller places after reading comprehensively about the fundamentals behind markets, understand what the different firms do. Can you clearly explain the difference between S&T, HF, Prop Traders, what they do how they do it? First understand the industry. The bare minimum for this is to read options futures and derivatives by Hull.

Then make sure to read commercial awareness, have a holistic view after reading everything - how does commods affect rates affecting equities affecting credit and everything else. Look at current prices and historicals where do you see them going, why? If you find yourself interested in an asset class read another textbook about that asset class. Then learn to code and try implement these technicals practically by programming them so you can be useful on a desk.
 

If you hone these skills you will be successful in getting summer internships - you could say you’re penultimate and recruit for firms posting on LinkedIn think CIBC Stifel etc etc posts are still coming on there and will continue into January.

Regardless of whether or not you get a first year internship hone these skills and get ready for full summer internship applications.

 

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