London S&T SA 2025 Interviews

I am a second year at a semi target studying CS and have decided to switch my career goals from Tech to S&T. Last year I did springs at a couple of banks in Tech. Although I love coding, I realised I don’t want to be building databases and front ends for traders, I’d rather be on the other end of the software.

I have started preparation, I read Natenberg’s options book, completed Akuna Capital Options 101 and have some work experience shadowing on a trading desk. A-Level Econ that gave me an understanding of basic economics that I can usually use to understand some of the market moves mentioned in the FT and Reuters. This market awareness is something I’m trying to develop as I find it incredibly interesting and hopefully will be useful for interviews. I’m wondering how I should prepare for S&T Interviews. What sorts of questions should I expect?

I would appreciate any input on what I can do to prepare and any resources to look into.

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some detailed steps and resources to prepare for Sales & Trading (S&T) interviews:

Preparation Steps:

  1. Market Awareness:

    • Follow the Markets: Regularly read financial news from sources like FT, WSJ, and Bloomberg. Understand current market trends, major economic events, and their impacts.
    • Indices and Economic Indicators: Be familiar with key indices (e.g., S&P 500, Dow Jones) and economic indicators (e.g., GDP, unemployment rates).
  2. Technical Knowledge:

    • Options and Derivatives: Since you've read Natenberg's options book and completed Akuna Capital Options 101, ensure you understand the basics of options pricing, Greeks, and trading strategies.
    • Financial Products: Know the basics of various financial products like bonds, equities, and derivatives. Understand what factors affect their prices and how they are traded.
  3. Stock Pitches:

    • Long/Short Stock Pitch: Prepare at least one long and one short stock pitch. Be ready to discuss why you chose these stocks, your investment thesis, and potential risks.
    • Investment Scenarios: Be prepared to answer questions like "How would you invest $1 million today?" and justify your choices based on current market conditions.
  4. Behavioral Questions:

    • Personal Experience: Be ready to discuss your background, why you want to switch from Tech to S&T, and how your skills in coding and economics can be beneficial in trading.
    • Situational Questions: Prepare for questions about how you handle stress, make decisions under pressure, and work in a team environment.

Recommended Resources:

  1. Books:

    • "When Genius Failed"
    • "Fooled by Randomness"
    • "Reminiscences of a Stock Operator"
    • "Trading in the Zone"
    • "Market Wizards" series
  2. Practice:

    • Mock Interviews: Practice with friends or mentors who have experience in S&T.
    • Trading Simulations: Use trading simulators to get a feel for real-time trading and market reactions.
  3. Networking:

    • Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in the industry for informational interviews. This can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and help you understand what interviewers are looking for.

Key Points to Remember:

  • Have Your Own Opinions: It's crucial to develop your own market views and opinions rather than just repeating what you read. Interviewers look for candidates who can think independently and justify their perspectives.
  • Stay Updated: Continuously update your knowledge about the markets, as this will be a significant part of your interview discussions.

By following these steps and utilizing the recommended resources, you should be well-prepared for your S&T interviews. Good luck!

Sources: [HELP REQUEST] How to prepare for the markets for S&T Interview?, Navigating The Floor: A S&T Analyst's Guide, Sales and Trading - A Comprehensive Guide, Conversation with an Equities Sales Trader, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/asset-management/sales-trading-interview-guide-gekkos-guidance-part-2?customgpt=1

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

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