Loser on the trading floor - help please!
I’ve recently started an off-cycle internship on the trading floor of a BB, but I’m not the biggest fan of the team I’m in - it is more middle office than FO, I want to be a trader but right now I’m more of a product manager (intern) for one of our internal softwares. The intern before me managed to get on the grad scheme but only through connections, so I’d like to make my own and secure my own spot on the grad scheme.
Right now, I hardly speak to anyone during the work day - I can go the whole 10 hours without speaking a word. This is despite being sat next to some traders - they hardly speak amongst themselves either.
This loneliness makes me feel like a loser on the trading floor - but it also doesn’t help my chances of moving to a good team. My question is this - what is the best way of reaching out to people on completely different desks? I have the green light from my manager to do this but I have no idea how to do a ‘cold approach’. Any advice is appreciated, thank you!
Based on the most helpful WSO content on networking and moving within a company, here are some actionable steps you can take to effectively reach out to people on different desks at your trading floor:
Leverage Your Manager’s Support: Since you have the green light from your manager, use this as a part of your introduction. It provides legitimacy to your approach.
Start with a Warm Introduction: If possible, ask your manager or any other colleague who might know people on the other desks to introduce you. A personal introduction can ease the process and make the initial conversation more comfortable.
Prepare Your Pitch: Before approaching someone, prepare a brief and compelling pitch about who you are, what you do, and why you are interested in their desk. Highlight your interest in trading and how you believe you could contribute to their team.
Timing is Key: Try to find a good time to approach them, such as after a trading session when things might be less hectic. Avoid times when the markets are very active, as traders will be focused on their screens and less likely to be receptive.
Attend Internal Networking Events: If your company holds any networking events, make sure to attend. These events provide a relaxed environment conducive to meeting people from different departments.
Follow-Up: After your initial conversation, send a thank you email expressing your appreciation for their time and reiterating your interest. Keep the communication line open by checking in periodically or sharing interesting articles related to trading.
Offer Value: Always think about how you can add value to their work. Whether it’s sharing insights from your current role that could benefit them or discussing trends in trading, showing your usefulness can make a significant impact.
Be Persistent but Patient: Building connections takes time. Be persistent in your efforts to network, but also be patient as opportunities to move internally might not happen immediately.
By following these steps, you can start building relationships across the trading floor, which could eventually help you transition into a role that aligns more closely with your career aspirations as a trader.
Sources: Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview., Guide to building a successful career at ONE company: Internal Networking, Should I get straight to the point in my cold email?, How to Network and Tips on Networking, The Best Networking, Cold Calling and Cold Emailing Posts on WSO
Bump
Could start with taking one of the traders on your desk out to coffee. Maybe when they first get in you could mention something like "Want to grab coffee in an hour?" after theyre set up.
Or you could ask your manager to make an introduction to someone on another desk and you could do the same thing, ask them out to coffee to learn about what they do etc.
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