Justin Pratt

University:
Washington

Degree Subject:
Finance

Desk:
Equities and Oil

On the equities desk, I would monitor the markets throughout the day. I learned the different products and strategies used to execute trades. On the oil desk, I similarly gained knowledge of the product I was working with. I attempted to get a feel for how the certain broker would go about getting a market. I found it helpful to take notes of the characteristics that were most effective and how I could use those to benefit me.

The lifestyle of an interdealer broker at ICAP is so unique to anything else I have ever experienced. The atmosphere is very fast paced and constantly busy, and there is a team dynamic that adds competition as well as camaraderie.

The job is more than just an office day job. A lot of what you do is outside the office and it can be incredibly rewarding. There is a much larger team feel than I was expecting as well.

The best advice I can give to someone considering this career is be outgoing. Interdealer broking has tremendous emphasis on personality so be open and personable and you will be rewarded.

The most enjoyable part about the internship was getting to meet and be a part of the people and lifestyle at ICAP. Because the job attracts a certain type of person, I found it very easy to get along with and bond with almost anyone at work. It was also very fun to get to take part in activities such as bowling and baseball games outside of work.

In order to be a successful broker, you need to be competitive to obtain the most business. You must have good interpersonal skills because much of the business is based on relationships. You need to be willing to adapt because the environment is constantly changing. Lastly, you need to be driven to achieve because nothing is handed to you.