How to Make It Big on Wall Street
A short course is all you need to learn the basics of financial markets and how to trade them.
Picking Suitable Subjects at School
Picking suitable subjects at school will give you a head start and prevent any obstacles down the track.
Solid Mathematical Skills
Having solid mathematical skills can lay the foundation to becoming a highly skilled trader.
Foundational Math Subject
Regardless of where you’re studying or what curriculum you’re pursuing, such as the AP, A-Levels, or IB, be sure to take a foundational math subject. Traders need to be analytical as your day-to-day will include doing market analysis and making decisions based on trends you uncover.
Economics or Business
Taking extra subjects in Economics or Business will also introduce you to the concept of how markets work and operate and how our financial system works. Don’t worry; you’ll learn more about this as you enter university.
Advanced Placement
If you are doing the AP, check out our blog on the easiest and hardest AP Classes.
A Levels
Maths is a must for A Levels. Further Mathematics, Economics, Statistics, and Physics are highly recommended.
International Baccalaureate
HL Maths and HL Economics are essential for International Baccalaureate. Further Maths, Physics, Business are highly recommended.
AU/NZ (HSC, VSC, NCEA)
Maths is a must for AU/NZ. Physics, Economics, Business are highly recommended.
Networking and Practical Skills
Charisma and tenacity may have got you in the door of a Wall Street firm back in the 80s, but today you’re going to need both of those things. Not only will you build the practical skills you need to start investing, but after sitting through two full days of intense trading chat, I guarantee you won’t want to do anything but trade!
Investment Club and Economics Club
Crimson Global Academy offers an Investment Club as well as an Economics Club where students learn all about trading!
Practice is Critical
When it comes to trading, practice is critical. But you don’t want to go too hard too early, so start by opening a demo account with a broker online to get a feel for the market and simulate live trading.
Start Trading for Real
Once you’ve built up some confidence, you can start trading for real You don’t have to invest a massive amount (you’re on a student budget after all!), but making and losing real money will ensure you focus more and develop your trading skills a lot faster.
Reach Out to an Investment Bank
The easiest way to get access to a Wall Street firm trading desk is to reach out to an investment bank. Obviously, it helps if you’re at a feeder school to get a foot in the door, but you still have to prove yourself once you’re there.
Summer Trading Internships
Begin applying for summer trading internships at the major investment banks as soon as they put the call out. The trading positions are going to be the most difficult to get, so apply for stock analyst or trader assistant roles, too.
Recruitment Process
For every trading internship role at a bank, they receive around 2,000 applications, but your proactivity and willingness to invest time and money in your own trading development will ensure that you stand out in any recruitment process.
Work Hard and Sharpen Your Trading Skills
Once you get this entry position, don’t take it for granted. Work hard and sharpen your trading skills to make it big on Wall Street.
