How to get into S&T

Hello readers,

I would like to know your opinions on how to get into S&T either internship or full time. I’m a third year student with a wealth management internship where I spent time on S&T, ER, Structuring and Compliance. I have a 3.2/4 GPA planning to raise it to 3.45. Are my chances good? (Not only US roles)

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some actionable steps to improve your chances of breaking into Sales & Trading (S&T):

  1. Leverage Your Wealth Management Internship: Highlight the time you spent on S&T, Equity Research (ER), and Structuring. Be prepared to discuss specific projects or tasks you handled in these areas, as they demonstrate relevant exposure.

  2. Boost Your GPA: While a 3.2 GPA is on the lower side for competitive roles, raising it to 3.45 will help. Many firms have a 3.5 GPA cutoff, but exceptions can be made if you have strong networking connections or relevant experience.

  3. Networking: S&T roles are often not widely advertised. Networking is critical. Reach out to alumni, attend industry events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships with people in the industry can help you bypass formal GPA cutoffs.

  4. Know the Markets: Be able to discuss a dozen stocks, their prices, and your reasoning behind their movements. Understanding where the market is and where it’s going is crucial. Investing your own money (even in small amounts) and being able to talk about your strategy can set you apart.

  5. Technical Skills: Brush up on statistics, programming (Python is highly valued), and Excel. For quant-heavy roles, math skills are more critical than programming, but having both is ideal.

  6. Tailor Your Applications: Highlight your interest in S&T specifically. Customize your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experiences.

  7. Global Opportunities: If you’re open to roles outside the US, research target firms in regions like Europe or Asia. For example, Barclays Hong Kong has been noted for hiring candidates with a computer science background for S&T roles.

  8. Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to run through a model, discuss market trends, and have an intelligent conversation about trading strategies. Practice behavioral questions and be able to articulate why you’re passionate about S&T.

Your chances can improve significantly with strong networking, a clear understanding of the markets, and a well-prepared application. For more insights, check out these threads: - Breaking into Sales & Trading: url: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/trading/breaking-into-sales-tradi… - How to Prep for BB S&T Internship: url: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/trading/2018-sales-and-trading-re…

Good luck!

Sources: 2018 Sales and Trading Recruiting (Intern), Conversation with an Equities Sales Trader, Private Wealth Management/Private Banking Guide for Associates, Career in Finance - Reality or Reach?, How to be a Millionaire Trader

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

You are properly cooked bro. Unless you go to top 5 or have some amazing life story you are cooked. Resume won’t get past screener without a lot a lot of networking.

I just want to be honest, not hating. I had a shit 3.5 gpa as stats major and top10 school and still had some difficulties with banks ( was easier to recruit for quant).

 

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