T2W Trading Community

Of course I would!

However, the gentleman informed me that they needed some extra temporary help in their back-office, processing all the applications for the forthcoming British Telecom flotation. Would I like to help? Of course I would! And they were even going to pay me as well!

And so, in late 1984 my first taste of  real work in a stockbroker’s office started amidst shouts of “Buy!”, “Sell!” and “One lump or two?” I must have done something right (probably due to the Gold Blend I was serving), as whilst drinking in the local pub (The Cambridge, off Charlotte Square) with my colleagues after work, they asked me if I would like to work beyond my two week period and accept a full time job with them. Of course I would!

Having at least got my foot in the door, my strategy was then to put myself through my own management training programme. This I would do by applying for positions across the various specialist sectors and learning from my experiences. After 2 years with Wood Mackenzie in Edinburgh, it was time to move to the City and move to a front-office role on a dealing desk. I then moved into corporate finance, and then equity derivatives. By the age of 24 I already had 5 years experience under my belt and moved to Madrid where I headed the equity derivatives desk on what today would be a six figure salary. Most of my peers were only just fresh out of university wondering what to do with their lives.

The purpose of my story is simply to illustrate to those T2W members who post on the site looking for advice about starting work in the City (of which there are many) that if you have a passion for the markets and trading, then it is possible to do it without having a handful of MBA’s and Phd’s.

My advice would still of course be that if you are so inclined, the best route to the City is undoubtedly to secure a place at a quality university (Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, LSE etc) and obtain a quality first class degree. For those wishing to be quant analysts then mathematics related degrees are preferred. You will need to demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, a strong understanding of the markets and how they work. Above all, spend plenty of time preparing for the interview. Ideally try and obtain work as an intern during the holiday periods.

Of course, not everyone can achieve such exacting standards, but that should not preclude you from a career in the City. My advice would be to get your foot through the door by applying for positions at the lower levels and impress your bosses by working efficiently and diligently, and demonstrating your passion for the markets. Passing the FSA exam is a must.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the City. I have met some very remarkable and talented people with whom I still keep in contact today. The City is not a place for wallflowers, and the trading floor banter and black humour are as essential in today’s politically-correct world as they ever were. Over the past 20 years the City, as a centre of excellence, has inevitably changed. It is more competitive, faster moving, increasingly technology led, more aggressive, and certainly more regulated.

My time and experience in the City has given me the opportunity to continue trading successfully today, and I am thankful for that.

Below are listed some of the areas where you may wish to work in the City, and some additional links to recruitment consultancies, training providers and financial organisations to assist you on your way to your new career.

But always remember…

Success, like the market itself, is random.