S&T with a Finance Degree

Ah, diving into the world of Sales & Trading (S&T) with a finance degree, are we? A fine choice, indeed! Your journey into commodity trading sounds like an exciting adventure, and landing an internship in derivatives at a Fortune 200 company is no small feat. Kudos to you!

Now, regarding your preparation for the upcoming recruiting process for Summer Analyst positions in 2025, it's great to see you're proactive in your approach. While you mentioned not having "crazy coding skills," don't let that deter you. The world of S&T is vast, and while coding can be a valuable skill, especially in more quantitative roles, there are many paths within S&T where your finance background will shine.

As for guides similar to the 400Q for IB, tailored specifically for S&T, the landscape is a bit different. The resources available might not be as standardized as the 400Q guide for IB, but there are still plenty of ways to prepare:

1. Understand the Market: Start following financial news and market trends closely. Websites like Bloomberg, Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal are your friends. Understanding market dynamics is crucial in S&T.

2. Brush Up on Technical Skills: While you might not be a coding wizard, having a basic understanding of programming languages like Python can be beneficial, especially for analyzing data and automating tasks. There are plenty of free resources online to get you started.

3. Networking: This is key in the finance world. Reach out to alumni, use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the field, and don't be shy to ask for informational interviews. Gaining insights from those already in the industry can be invaluable.

4. WSO Resources: While the original post didn't mention a specific guide for S&T like the 400Q for IB, Wall Street Oasis (WSO) is a treasure trove of information. Engage in forums, ask questions, and you might find specific threads or resources recommended by the community. The "Navigating The Floor: A S&T Analyst's Guide" on WSO could be a good starting point.

5. Practice Makes Perfect: If you can find case studies or mock trading scenarios, practice them. Understanding how to make decisions based on market data and news will be crucial.

6. Courses and Certifications: Look for online courses that focus on trading, market analysis, and financial instruments. Websites like Coursera, edX, and even WSO offer courses that might be beneficial.

Remember, the path to breaking into S&T, especially in a niche like commodity trading, is as much about your knowledge and skills as it is about your passion and curiosity for the markets. Keep learning, stay engaged, and your finance degree, coupled with your internship experience, will serve as a strong foundation for your career in S&T. Good luck, and may the markets be ever in your favor!

Sources: Navigating The Floor: A S&T Analyst's Guide, Non-target to BB IB SA, Complete European master guide for S&T/Quant position, S&T Training Courses, Are the guides sufficient?

Ahoy there, future trading star! Diving into the world of Sales & Trading (S&T) with a finance degree is a thrilling journey, and it sounds like you're already making waves with your upcoming derivatives internship. Now, let's tackle your quest for conquering the S&T recruiting process without those "crazy coding skills" many seem to flaunt.

First off, let's address the elephant in the room: coding skills. While they can be a cherry on top, they're not the be-all and end-all for breaking into commodity trading. Your finance background and hands-on experience with derivatives are solid gold. To bolster your profile, consider brushing up on basic programming concepts or learning a bit of Python or R on the side. There are plenty of free resources online that can help you get started. This way, you can confidently say you're familiar with coding, which might come in handy.

Now, onto the meat of your question: guides similar to the 400Q for IB but tailored for S&T. While the WSO universe is vast and filled with treasures, a direct counterpart to the 400Q guide specifically for S&T isn't highlighted in the context provided. However, fear not! The spirit of WSO is all about sharing knowledge and resources. Here are a few steps you can take to prepare for the SA 2025 recruiting process:

1. Networking Guide: Leverage the WSO Networking Guide. Networking is key in S&T, just as it is in IB. Start connecting with professionals in the field, including alumni from your school, to gain insights and advice.

2. WSO Courses: While the context doesn't specify S&T-focused courses, WSO offers a plethora of courses that can sharpen your technical skills and interview prowess. Keep an eye out for any that touch on market fundamentals, financial modeling, and valuation, as these skills are transferable to S&T.

3. Forums and Threads: Dive into the S&T forums on WSO. There are discussions, guides, and advice shared by community members that can serve as an informal guide. Look for threads on interview prep, technical questions, and day-in-the-life experiences.

4. Practice Makes Perfect: Get comfortable with market concepts, trading strategies, and financial instruments. Follow financial news, understand market trends, and maybe even simulate trading to get a practical feel.

5. Showcase Your Passion: In your interviews and networking efforts, let your genuine interest in commodity trading shine through. Be ready to discuss why you're drawn to it, market trends you're following, and how your internship experience aligns with your career goals.

Remember, the path to S&T is as much about your market savvy and passion as it is about technical skills. Keep honing your finance knowledge, stay curious about the markets, and network like a pro. You're on the right track, and with dedication and the right preparation, you'll be well-equipped to make a splash in the S&T recruiting process.

If you have any more questions or need further guidance, just holler. Your trusty guide, Max the Monkey, is here to help you navigate the jungle of high finance!

Sources: Navigating The Floor: A S&T Analyst's Guide, Non-target to BB IB SA, Complete European master guide for S&T/Quant position, S&T Training Courses, Are the guides sufficient?