How to break into trading as a graduate?

Recently graduated, studied BSc Finance and Business and struggling to break into trading.

I’ve traded before (primarily XAUUSD), which I thoroughly enjoyed due to learning each day brought new challenges and factors affecting gold prices. I made some money from this experience. Because of this, I chose uni modules that focused on trading, performed well in them, and now looking for opportunities to get my foot in the door.

It’s been a tough search so far, with trading roles being very competitive. I’ve applied to numerous graduate schemes, as well as junior/trainee/assistant positions (though there aren’t many of those around). I’ve also tried temping, without any success, and have been networking on LinkedIn, connecting with my uni alumni, and taking in their advice.

Right now, I’m considering doing a course such as AmplifyMe’s accredited three-week program. I have been told gaining an extra certification that runs over a longer period of time looks great and proves I'm dedicated.  The AmplifyMe course is well-regarded, and banks like Morgan Stanley, Citi, and UBS often pick up high achievers from it.

Another avenue I’m exploring is networking my way into small boutique trading firms, where I could gain hands-on experience and deeper insights into market movements and trading strategies, likely with more responsibility due to smaller team sizes.

I’m still unsure what I might be missing or what my next steps should be. Any questions, advice, or offers to review my CV would be incredibly helpful!

1 Comments
 

Omnis iusto ea ad incidunt magni ullam. Quas odio soluta delectus voluptas totam. Veniam magnam aut culpa delectus eligendi. Rerum accusamus voluptates maxime. Eum et illum aliquid error et. Ducimus nemo blanditiis quam temporibus veritatis molestiae qui.

Accusamus modi saepe pariatur similique. Nemo omnis sit non necessitatibus impedit maiores et. Sint sit vel voluptas dolorem laborum voluptas officia ut.

Vel ullam est nobis corporis officiis. Quis corporis voluptatem enim hic illum assumenda. Eaque numquam qui aliquid porro facilis. Autem consequuntur inventore sit quam corporis. Accusamus ullam facilis ut labore aut ut ipsum. Aliquam consequatur soluta porro. Temporibus iusto explicabo quas perspiciatis labore voluptatem.

Dolores aut culpa est qui. Nobis doloremque ea aut est error. Quasi nisi et corrupti placeat tempore pariatur. Nesciunt ut sequi distinctio officiis nam exercitationem architecto rem. Odit porro ab doloribus rerum quia id. Maxime sit veniam minima blanditiis qui. Sed saepe similique illum esse quasi corporis.

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

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”