How to Show your trading smarts as a BB SA

I was just wondering, thru you guys experience S&T SA positions, do you ever really get a chance to show your trading skills or intelligence. I've heard all you do is get coffee and watch traders trade. But is there ever a opportunity to show your MD or other analysts that you would actually be a good trader?

The only thing I've though of is asking a good question here and there in the morning meetings. Other than that, how do I show that I deserve a FT offer?

7 Comments
 

be proactive and try to develop ideas - dont just sit there and expect to be told what to do. however, if you are told something to do, even if it is getting coffee, do it with a good attitude and don't fuck it up.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I tend to think of myself as a one-man wolfpack Buyside strongside
 

Don't fuck up food orders. On a serious note, ask one of the traders on the desk to let you run a mock trading portfolio in whatever product he/she trades, take it serious and make sure all of your trades are justified.

The Macro View http://themacroview.wordpress.com
 

A mock portfolio? That sounds interesting. Im on an equities desk though, does this replicate order flow that real traders have to deal with or would it just be another stock market simulation.

 

Come up with trading ideas, then bring them to the traders attention. But make sure they are very, very good ideas... not a problem if you do in fact have the intelligence/skill to be a trader. Don't waste their time, and don't bother them with stupid questions. Bottom line: if you actually help them make money (with good risk-reward trade ideas, not creating BS excel sheets), they will find a place for you.

 
Best Response
tgtraderCome up with trading ideas, then bring them to the traders attention. But make sure they are very, very good ideas... not a problem if you do in fact have the intelligence/skill to be a trader. Don't waste their time, and don't bother them with stupid questions. Bottom line: if you actually help them make money (with good risk-reward trade ideas, not creating BS excel sheets), they will find a place for you.

Great advice, I did the same over the summer and trader loved it. He really liked my idea and put the trade on, made him some money. It's pretty exciting if you can get that done.

Jack: They’re all former investment bankers who were laid off from that economic crisis that Nancy Pelosi caused. They have zero real world skills, but God they work hard. -30 Rock
 

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