IB --> Trading Switch, need lots of advice

Hello,

I am a current rising 2nd year at a target and I've been on the IB path (studying financials, pe summer internship, etc) but I came to this realization that I honestly dont gaf. Nothing about the work in ib or pe has been super interesting to me. While I still have time I want to do something else  

When I was working with my school's hedge fund working on equity stuff it was a lot more interesting, though I feel like I am not at good at it (some people just naturally get it, idk). I am also more open to learning about forex, commodities, etc just haven't thought about it that much yet  

Here are my questions, I would love to hear your advice: 

1. What should I do to prepare me for recruiting for s&t for 2026 internships. rn my resume is very ib focused, so how should I pivot and frame that pivot and what kind of internships for fall should I be looking for 

2. how should i learn about the different desks in trading? IB i found was very straight forward but I have no clue where to begin learning about things in trading outside of basic stock market trends

3. would you do the same in my position? do you have any regrets going into trading

i love you thanks for helping me 

2 Comments
 

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

1. Preparing for S&T Recruiting for 2026 Internships

  • Resume Pivot: Highlight any relevant experiences from your IB and PE internships that can be applicable to S&T. Focus on skills like financial analysis, market research, and any exposure to trading or market trends.
  • Internships: Look for internships in hedge funds, asset management, or any roles that involve market analysis, trading, or financial modeling. Even unpaid internships at small firms can be valuable.
  • Networking: Start networking with professionals in S&T. Attend industry events, join relevant clubs at your school, and reach out to alumni working in trading.

2. Learning About Different Desks in Trading

  • Research: Begin by reading up on the various desks in trading such as equities, fixed income, forex, and commodities. Websites like Investopedia can be a good starting point.
  • Courses and Certifications: Consider taking online courses or certifications related to trading. Platforms like Coursera or edX offer courses on financial markets and trading strategies.
  • Practical Experience: If possible, get involved in trading simulations or competitions. Many universities and online platforms offer these opportunities.

3. Personal Considerations and Regrets

  • Personal Fit: Reflect on what aspects of your previous experiences you enjoyed the most. If you found equity work more interesting, S&T might be a better fit for you.
  • Regrets: It's important to consider your own interests and strengths. Many professionals in trading enjoy the dynamic and fast-paced environment, but it requires a strong understanding of markets and a tolerance for risk.

Additional Tips

  • Articulate Your Motivation: Be clear about why you want to switch to S&T. This will be crucial during networking and interviews.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up with financial news and market trends. This will help you in interviews and give you a better understanding of the trading environment.

Good luck with your transition! If you need more specific advice, feel free to ask.

Sources: S&T Summer Analyst Lateral to IB FT?, Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking, Getting an S&T Return Offer - A Survival Guide for Future Interns, What to do Pre-MBA to prepare for IB recruiting, How should I prepare to be a good intern?

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

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