Recommend me a Film! About Finance, Banking and/or Trading
Discussion
Got a bright youngster undecided on degree subject (current preferred is Auto/Aero Engineering) who wants to know more about Finance and stuff (and preferably not from a TikTok Crypto-Bro...).
Recently enjoyed 'The Big Short' and wants to know more about the reality.
Any recommendations for good (factual) documentaries and/or dramatised films?
Searching throws up 'Trader', 'Wall Street' (obvs), etc. but is there anybody on YouTube worth watching?
Suggestions gratefull received, thank you!
Dave
Recently enjoyed 'The Big Short' and wants to know more about the reality.
Any recommendations for good (factual) documentaries and/or dramatised films?
Searching throws up 'Trader', 'Wall Street' (obvs), etc. but is there anybody on YouTube worth watching?
Suggestions gratefull received, thank you!
Dave
https://youtu.be/oXno18pOHgo?si=PRpKJv0WfliLSALY
Million Dollar Traders series from yesteryear - think the apprentice if it was about trading other peoples money.
I really enjoy any videos I spot by Anton Kriel.
https://youtu.be/L7G0OfJUON8?si=4huYSvaQH6qdY6QN
This would be a good one for a young’un.
Million Dollar Traders series from yesteryear - think the apprentice if it was about trading other peoples money.
I really enjoy any videos I spot by Anton Kriel.
https://youtu.be/L7G0OfJUON8?si=4huYSvaQH6qdY6QN
This would be a good one for a young’un.
Edited by vindaloo79 on Wednesday 9th October 02:22
Trouble with finance is that most of the time people only want to hear the stories about it going wrong. And for good reason.
One thing I would point out is that you absolutely can forge a very good career in finance with most quantitative degrees, so absolutely no reason for subject choice to be seen as deciding one's entire career path. Degree decision seems life defining at 17/18 but what's much more important is how well you did in your studies, how much networking/schmoozing you did, summer internships and so on. I did none of the networking and schmoozing and spent my summers working in chemistry rather than finance, which meant that when I moved over to finance, certain pathways were basically closed off to me because I was up against people who had two summer internships at JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs.
Pay particular attention to the scene in Margin Call where Zachary Quinto's character tells the high muck mucks what his background is. His background is not even remotely unusual within the trading organisation I work for.
One thing I would point out is that you absolutely can forge a very good career in finance with most quantitative degrees, so absolutely no reason for subject choice to be seen as deciding one's entire career path. Degree decision seems life defining at 17/18 but what's much more important is how well you did in your studies, how much networking/schmoozing you did, summer internships and so on. I did none of the networking and schmoozing and spent my summers working in chemistry rather than finance, which meant that when I moved over to finance, certain pathways were basically closed off to me because I was up against people who had two summer internships at JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs.
Pay particular attention to the scene in Margin Call where Zachary Quinto's character tells the high muck mucks what his background is. His background is not even remotely unusual within the trading organisation I work for.
Edited by Wololo on Wednesday 9th October 06:33
Always used to enjoy the series Billions. Although some of the plot lines were a bit far fetched, there were some very recognisable character types.
The reality? There are lots of different areas of finance, banking, trading, etc. Lifestyles range from the relatively low stress and predictable through to the brutal (very high pressure, very long hours, punishing travel schedules). At the brutal end it can really affect your health, relationships, etc.
Across all areas there are many nuances in terms of particular focus and specialism.
Attended various recruitment events and met loads of young people wanting to get into the industry. There was a pretty common theme with the questions. Generally they wanted to work in the areas that made the most money. Only a handful seemed to quickly grasp that that area was whichever interested them the most: you can’t work in that environment and be successful if your heart isn’t in it.
You need an exit plan/target. Too many get stuck living month-to-month, shackled with enormous mortgages, expensive wives/girlfriends. People can run into problems if they don’t get off the treadmill at the right time, and with something to do thereafter.
In terms of university: serious subject (sciences/maths/engineering) perhaps with plan to follow by an MBA later would be my suggestion BUT with a heavy focus on career from the outset: there is probably still a significant follow through from summer internship placements to full time jobs (even if not with same firm). Internships give tremendous insight, training, and differentiation from all those who decide in their final year that they want to chase the money.
Lastly, worth being aware of the relentless change driven by tech in the finance sector.
Slightly o/t vs original question, but hopefully food for thought.
The reality? There are lots of different areas of finance, banking, trading, etc. Lifestyles range from the relatively low stress and predictable through to the brutal (very high pressure, very long hours, punishing travel schedules). At the brutal end it can really affect your health, relationships, etc.
Across all areas there are many nuances in terms of particular focus and specialism.
Attended various recruitment events and met loads of young people wanting to get into the industry. There was a pretty common theme with the questions. Generally they wanted to work in the areas that made the most money. Only a handful seemed to quickly grasp that that area was whichever interested them the most: you can’t work in that environment and be successful if your heart isn’t in it.
You need an exit plan/target. Too many get stuck living month-to-month, shackled with enormous mortgages, expensive wives/girlfriends. People can run into problems if they don’t get off the treadmill at the right time, and with something to do thereafter.
In terms of university: serious subject (sciences/maths/engineering) perhaps with plan to follow by an MBA later would be my suggestion BUT with a heavy focus on career from the outset: there is probably still a significant follow through from summer internship placements to full time jobs (even if not with same firm). Internships give tremendous insight, training, and differentiation from all those who decide in their final year that they want to chase the money.
Lastly, worth being aware of the relentless change driven by tech in the finance sector.
Slightly o/t vs original question, but hopefully food for thought.
The obvious answer is that late 1980s b
ks TV show whose name I can't remember with that Finnish character, Silka Flotalotta, who I fancied back then when I was at school.
Err
Uhm
Capital City? Maybe?
Anyway, learning about the reality of working in Finance by watching films is like trying to learn about the merchant navy by watching Beyond the Poseidon Adventure.
Any numerate degree will do. Foreign languages are a big plus. And as the man above says, try to get summer internships and talk to graduate recruiters about what they're looking for in candidates.
Life is to short to study a vocational degree. Learn something interesting that is worth knowing. Keep your options open and keep your eyes open for opportunities. Wash behind your ears.
ks TV show whose name I can't remember with that Finnish character, Silka Flotalotta, who I fancied back then when I was at school.Err
Uhm
Capital City? Maybe?
Anyway, learning about the reality of working in Finance by watching films is like trying to learn about the merchant navy by watching Beyond the Poseidon Adventure.
Any numerate degree will do. Foreign languages are a big plus. And as the man above says, try to get summer internships and talk to graduate recruiters about what they're looking for in candidates.
Life is to short to study a vocational degree. Learn something interesting that is worth knowing. Keep your options open and keep your eyes open for opportunities. Wash behind your ears.
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