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Based on the most helpful WSO content, pivoting to full-time (FT) Sales & Trading (S&T) recruiting is possible, but it can be challenging. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Networking is Key: FT recruiting often relies heavily on networking. You’ll need to leverage any connections you have within the industry. Reach out to alumni, former colleagues, or anyone in your network who works in S&T. Building relationships with people in groups that are actively hiring is crucial.

  2. Timing and Openings: FT recruiting for S&T typically happens on a rolling basis, depending on the needs of the firm. Unlike structured summer analyst (SA) recruiting, FT hiring is more ad hoc, often filling specific gaps in teams. Keep an eye on job postings and be proactive in reaching out to recruiters.

  3. Be Ready for Technicals: FT recruiting tends to be more technical than SA recruiting. You should be prepared to excel in technical interviews, which may include exercises like DCF or LBO modeling, as well as market-related questions. Brush up on your technical skills and market knowledge.

  4. Explain Your Pivot: If you’re transitioning from a missed SA opportunity, be ready to explain why you’re pursuing FT recruiting. Have a strong narrative that highlights your interest in S&T, your relevant skills, and how you’ve been preparing for this role.

  5. Persistence Pays Off: FT recruiting can be competitive, especially if you’re coming in without a prior internship in S&T. However, with persistence, strong networking, and solid preparation, it’s possible to secure a role.

If you’re serious about this pivot, start networking immediately and focus on sharpening your technical and market knowledge to stand out in the process.

Sources: Is Full-Time/Lateral Recruiting really that hard?, 2019/2020 Sales & Trading Bonus Discussion, 2018 Full-Time IB Recruiting Timeline Megathread Page, Full Time Recruiting outlook for 2021, S&T Sales

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

A lot harder. The whole point of an S & T SA is just a long networking session tbh cuz u can’t trade so the chances of them taking u over an intern is slim. Also you’ll be competing with other interns trying to switch firms ie an UBS intern trying to recruit GS FT. I’d try to look at commodity houses they open a bit later.

 

Possible?
In theory, yes. However, I barely see any S&T spots open. Desks continue to get smaller and smaller. 
Commodity houses like Cargill, Louis Dreyfus, Bunge, Glencore, Vitol, Tragfigura, do open their spots later, but's incredibly competitive.
Their version of "target schools" are the A&M colleges , like Texas A&M, other colleges with A&M in them, the Merchant Marine Academy.
you're still competing with hundreds of thousands of candidates, and while it might be a little less techincal then your standard S&T interview, behaviorally you're going to need to know your stuff.
If you're targeting a supermajor like BP/Exxon, thats basically like trying to get JPM/GS/MS, especially for the TDPs.

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