S&T internship day to day

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you can expect and how you can make the most of your Fixed Income (FI) S&T internship:

Day-to-Day Tasks

1. Shadowing and Observing:

   • Since interns can't trade or talk to clients, much of your time will involve shadowing traders and salespeople. Pay close attention to how they interact, make decisions, and execute trades.
   • Take notes on market trends, desk-specific jargon, and strategies.

2. Research and Analysis:

   • You might be tasked with preparing market summaries, analyzing data, or creating reports to support the desk.
   • Use this as an opportunity to showcase your analytical skills and attention to detail.

3. Learning the Desk’s Operations:

   • Understand how your desk makes money, interacts with other desks, and operates within the broader market. A good test is whether you can explain your desk’s function in layman’s terms.

4. Excel and Technical Work:

   • While VBA might not be a daily requirement, proficiency in Excel shortcuts and formulas is essential. Be prepared to assist with data analysis or building tools that streamline processes.

5. Building Relationships:

   • Use downtime to bond with team members. Ask for coffee chats to learn about their products, career paths, and advice. This helps you integrate into the team and leaves a positive impression.

Logistics and Hours

• Typical Hours:

  • Be all hands on deck before market open and for about 1.5 hours after. Similarly, stay alert as market close approaches. Midday is usually quieter, allowing for relationship-building and learning.
  • While hours vary by desk, expect early starts and potentially long days, especially during busy market periods.

• Weekends:

  • Generally, S&T interns don’t work weekends unless there’s a special project or event. However, always confirm with your desk.

• Meal Vouchers:

  • Unlike IB, meal vouchers are less common in S&T. However, this depends on the firm, so check with HR or your team.

How to Be Helpful

1. Be Proactive:

   • Offer to help with small tasks, even if they seem mundane. This shows initiative and a willingness to contribute.

2. Ask Good Questions:

   • Focus on thoughtful, relevant questions that demonstrate your understanding and curiosity about the desk’s work.

3. Stay Engaged:

   • Pay attention to market movements and how they impact your desk’s products. Share insights or ask for clarification when appropriate.

4. Be Likable:

   • Build rapport with your team by engaging in light, professional conversations about sports, weekend plans, or general interests.

Advice for Success

• Preparation: Arrive early, stay late if needed, and always double-check your work.
• Attitude: Maintain a positive, hardworking attitude. Desk heads and team members value effort and enthusiasm over raw intelligence.
• Avoid Mistakes: Don’t act overconfident or assume you know everything. Always verify before presenting information.

Good luck with your internship! Remember, the goal is to learn, build relationships, and leave a lasting positive impression.

Sources: How to be a good S&T Intern, A week in the life of a VC intern/VC Intern Q&A, Getting an S&T Return Offer - A Survival Guide for Future Interns, Converting an S&T Internship, Week 1 of IBD Internship: Training