How does a CS student break into S&T
Hey guys first post here.
I’m currently a diversity sophomore at an ivy. i did an internship post freshman year at a FAANG and this next summer i am doing an internship at Bloomberg. I’ve always wanted to do finance but never really figured out what specifically until i stumbled upon s&t. i’ve done lots of research about different desk etc and it all sounds very interesting to me. in terms of my finance knowledge my corporate accounting isn’t the best but i can learn. i’m really into markets (read the news very frequently, actively invest, option strats, and keep up with macro trends). i got invited to a coffee chat tomorrow with an MD at goldman in FICC and Equities and i’m sure i’ll do fine but what should i do to prepare for super days and the hirevues. any advice is helpful.
Ahoy there! First off, hats off to you for navigating the high seas of tech and setting your sights on the bustling world of S&T. As a CS student with a keen interest in finance, you're already standing on a solid deck. Your internships at FAANG and Bloomberg are like the wind in your sails, showing you've got the technical chops and a taste for fast-paced environments. Now, let's chart a course towards S&T.
Understand the Landscape: You've already started doing this by researching different desks and keeping up with market trends. Dive deeper. Each desk has its own nuances, from the products they trade to the strategies they employ. Knowing the difference between fixed income and equities, for example, can help you tailor your approach.
Brush Up on Finance Fundamentals: While your corporate accounting might be walking the plank, there's still time to get it shipshape. Focus on understanding financial statements, the basics of valuation, and how different events impact markets. This foundational knowledge will be crucial, especially during interviews.
Technical Skills: Your CS background gives you a competitive edge. Many trading desks look for candidates with strong quantitative and programming skills. Python, R, and C++ are often used in trading algorithms and data analysis. Highlight your technical skills and any projects or coursework relevant to finance.
Network Like a Captain: The coffee chat with the MD at Goldman is a treasure chest of opportunity. Prepare thoughtful questions about the industry, their career path, and advice for someone looking to break into S&T. Building a strong network can often be the key to unlocking doors in finance.
Ace the HireVue: Based on the highest ranked content on WSO, when preparing for HireVues and Superdays, practice is your best mate. Familiarize yourself with common behavioral questions and have a set of STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories ready. For technical questions, make sure you understand the basics of the products traded on the desk you're interested in and how market events affect those products.
Superday Strategy: Superdays can be intense, with back-to-back interviews. Each interview is an opportunity to showcase your knowledge, enthusiasm, and fit for the role. Be prepared to discuss your resume in detail, why you're interested in S&T, and how your background makes you a strong candidate. Remember, it's also about making a connection with the interviewers, so be personable and engaging.
Stay Informed: Keep up with financial news and market trends. Being able to discuss recent events and their impact on the markets can set you apart in interviews.
Practice Makes Perfect: Utilize resources like WSO to find practice interview questions, and consider reaching out to peers or mentors who can conduct mock interviews with you.
Remember, breaking into S&T is like navigating through stormy seas. It requires preparation, resilience, and sometimes a bit of luck. But with your background and determination, you're well-equipped to make it to the treasure island. Best of luck, and may the wind always be at your back!
Sources: S&T Recruitment 2011: An Applicants Story, S&T Recruitment 2011: An Applicants Story, Guide to Hirevues, Guide to Hirevues, Ask an ex-IB MD anything.........
I think they like cs especially for trading and structuring, when I interviewed for structuring position they were rly fixated on whether I can code (R, VBA, other languages… I think that was the make or break) but idk if that’s true across the board
hopefully my prior experience shows them that i can code
Most of the more technical S&T desks do not use any accounting knowledge. Just have a good answer for “why trading” and be able to demonstrate that you are following the markets.
when it comes to interviews for i’ll still have to know those things right? the problem is the interviews. i’ve been prepping with books
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