How would a fresh graduate starting from scratch break into S&T as a trader?

If you were starting from scratch as a new graduate, how would you go about getting into S&T?  I have just graduated with a finance degree from a (non-target/semi target) with a 3.09 GPA and was unable to land any internships (physical and mental health issues for my first 2+ years, but got the help I needed during Junior year.) After taking the summer to explore career paths and the different industries, I have decided that trading is what I want to pursue, even if it takes 10+ years to get there.  I plan on getting my series 7, Bloomberg Certification, Python Certification, and anything else that can help me prepare.  So if you were in my shoes, what would be your next moves? Is it even possible?  Thanks! 

3 Comments
 

A MsF would probably be your best bet if you're a recent graduate, but the ship has probably sailed on you doing that straight out of undergrad (given it's probably too late at this point). That said, still very possible you get on for next year - also fact check me on it being too late this year, I could be wrong.

In the meantime, you should focus on getting a job, preferably at a bank. The best way to get a job in trading early on is to be hungry and have facetime with the traders. I spent the past couple years in ops and only recently made the switch, it's not easy but it is doable. 

 

Yeah, I have accepted that I am going to have to get experience elsewhere, then get a job in ops and then try to make the switch to become a junior trader, but I'm nervous that the industry is going to be too competitive and small by then.  Also, I don't know if I will get accepted into an MsF program without work experience given my grades.  I don't even know what positions to even apply to right now, like what keywords should I use for middle office/back office jobs at banks?

 

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