Grad role and internship this summer

Hello,

I am in a bit of a pickle - essentially I want to go into Sales and Trading but have no previous s experience in it.

I completed a summer internship last year (after 1st year of uni) in Equity Research, and whilst I learnt loads of invaluable skills I realised it was not for me. This summer I have 2 options for internships either Equity Research of Private Banking, I am leaning towards PB because it would be a different experience - any thoughts on this?

I should also clarify that my internship last summer and potential one this summer are in my home country through networking as I was not able to secure a relevant internship in London (the closest i got was insurance or risk). 

Considering I dont have any relevant S+T experience - would it be wiser to apply for PB or Equity Research grad roles or should I still try S+T?!

I understand there can't be a definitive answer to this - I am just trying to get different POVs. 

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:

  1. Internship Choice:

    • Private Banking (PB): Opting for PB could provide you with a broader experience and a different perspective compared to Equity Research. This could be beneficial in diversifying your skill set and making your profile more versatile.
    • Equity Research: Since you already have experience in Equity Research and found it wasn't for you, it might be more advantageous to explore a new area like PB.
  2. Transition to Sales and Trading (S&T):

    • Networking: Continue to leverage your network to gain insights and possibly secure informational interviews in S&T. This can help you understand the field better and make connections that could be valuable when applying for roles.
    • Relevant Experience: While you may not have direct S&T experience, skills from both Equity Research and PB can be transferable. Highlight your analytical skills, understanding of markets, and client interaction experience in your applications.
  3. Graduate Roles:

    • Applying for S&T: Despite not having direct S&T experience, it is still worth applying for S&T roles if that is your ultimate goal. Emphasize your interest in the markets, any relevant coursework, and your proactive approach to learning about the industry.
    • Backup Options: Applying for PB or Equity Research grad roles can serve as a backup plan. These roles can still provide valuable experience and potentially offer internal mobility to transition into S&T later on.
  4. Additional Steps:

    • Skill Development: Consider taking courses or certifications related to trading, financial markets, or coding (if relevant) to bolster your resume.
    • Informational Interviews: Aim to conduct informational interviews with professionals in S&T to gain insights and advice on breaking into the field.

Remember, the key is to demonstrate your passion for S&T and how your previous experiences have prepared you for a role in this area. Good luck!

Sources: Advice Needed - Quant to S&T - How to sell my experience?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/should-i-pursue-st-or-ib?customgpt=1, Ask CompBanker, IB vs. SWE threads are mostly pointless, London Advice on current situation and transition to IBD/S&T

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

Explicabo dolorem eius deleniti quam. Ex aspernatur modi est velit eum. Debitis quo officiis suscipit aut eligendi dolorem repellat. Est totam eaque ea consequuntur sint saepe.

Ut quia minima voluptate voluptatem. Sed et omnis qui asperiores facilis. Accusamus ut est temporibus dolor nulla qui aut. Ea totam expedita nihil magni nihil harum corrupti. Eos repudiandae reiciendis autem. Accusantium ad porro quis delectus. Nulla consectetur libero nulla repellendus.

Corporis vitae provident voluptas modi eos. Vel repellendus aut quia sint.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (65) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”