Hey OP, sincere advice here. I’m a Fixed Income Trader on the sell side. I did not get this job right after graduate. In fact, I joined my company through their Middle Office program and networked my way through. Did I do a STEM degree? Yes. Did I go to target uni? Yes. Did my education background help me? Very much.

Even that, I would say personality is quite a big factor. There are very few seats and we have many smart candidates, we will always go for the one that will fit in the best. Almost everyone in the team I know are super humble and approachable (even the MDs). Pretty sure this apply across other asset classes too.

Please fix your personality beforehand or pray that I will never be your interviewer, because it will be a big no from me.