Happy to answer question about working on a trading floor. I have spent 30 years in the industry working for JPM and MS managing IR derivatives trading books nd teams of traders both in G10 and EM.
I teach now at the Master of Finance level at Cambridge and ESCP London
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice about working on a trading floor:
Career Progression in Trading:
Stress and Work Environment:
Work-Life Balance:
Skills and Knowledge:
Networking and Mentorship:
Challenges and Politics:
If you have specific questions about trading roles, career transitions, or the trading floor environment, feel free to ask!
Sources: Insights on Fixed Income Trading, Q&A: 25 years Sales / Trading Experience, I'm A Former Trader Who Now Owns A Food Truck: Ask Me Anything, Q&A: ex-bank trader now running crypto hedge fund. questions?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/trading/qa-vp-trader-at-bb?customgpt=1
Favourite time in your career?
2009 post crisis where markets rallied and the trend was your friend... Best year for trading ever!
best piece of advice you'd now give a younger version of yourself when starting out?
Be professional, be on time, be reliable. Make sure your clients, your boss and you colleagues can count on you.
And most important find a job or a field that can be your passion rather than just a living. Don’t focus on money only.
Where do you see the industry going in the next 10-20 years ?
As someone who’s planning a career in markets, what’s the best desks to aim for which will still be around / most desirable? Thanks !
Understanding markets from a macro stand point coupled with technology background or interest is still quite a powerful combination in my mind. I would look for less liquid products those which are mode difficult to fully replace with computers.
Best desks in my mind would be to try for the less popular/competitive. Like Emerging markets, Commodities.. I would avoid G10 Fx for example mostly electronic by now.
What do emerging markets desks do? Is it all asset classes? HY?
rate fx equities everything
will be joining an equities desk soon, was wondering what in technology i can learn and how it can be beneficial. also how would i go about trying to lateral to a rates desk or credit desk.
Be interested in all the systems you use, what are the different platforms, e commerce, how are pricing models built etc...
Although it is tempting to have a lateral view it is also important ot focus and specialise and make your mark. So I would suggest to really concentrate on one area first.
Thoughts on trading products such as mortgages, ABS, etc., for long-term career prospects? What firms are the absolute best on the street in your opinion?
Also, is it smart to stay on the sell side, or would you recommend recruiting for hedge funds and/or money managers?
Not an expert on ABS.
For the second question, I think starting a career on the sell side is a real asset. You will learn a lot and you will be dealing with the buy side constantly. The bridge is easy to cross if you wish to and if you have done well in a baml. The opposite is less common.
Hi, currently working as a jr execution broker in a commodity derivatives desk, PPE and MScFin background. Really interested in trading more brokering. What banks/paths would you recommend to break into the trader? ty
harder to go from broking to trading than the opposite. So the sooner the better. I would sugges t to try your clients and make the jump
tyvm! what type of profiles do trading desks look for nowadays?
Best sources of knowledge for starting a career in S&T?
you can follow me on Linkedin
I am Salomon Sebbag and you can follow me on Linkedin
Advice for a graduate student trying to break into either an equity derivatives or credit desk?
I worked mostly in fixed income but I would say follow global markets and start focusing on the area you target. Try to undestand what are the moves and the reasons behind them. Read a lot of financial press so you cna be well prepared and motivated for potential interviews
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