In the realm of sales & trading careers (AKA Global Markets), the trajectory can often be as complex and multidimensional as the financial instruments one might trade. A conversation with an accomplished finance professional reveals how varied and international a career in this field can be, emphasizing the blend of passion, adaptability, and diverse skill sets required to succeed as a trader.From Golf to TradingThe journey began in Brunei, continued through high school in Australia, and included a brief stint as a professional golfer. This unconventional start underscored the flexibility and resilience intrinsic to careers in finance, where unexpected turns can lead to long-term opportunities. After realizing the need for a more sustainable career path, this finance enthusiast pursued quantitative finance in Zurich. There, a finance blog named "The Random Walk" became an unexpected catalyst for progress, attracting the attention of a hedge fund in London and leading to an unexpected job offer before graduation.Career PathWorking with a $300 billion hedge fund involved developing a groundbreaking absolute return strategy for European government bonds while in a high-pressure environment. These foundational experiences laid the groundwork for a transition into equity long-short tech funds and eventually to a leadership role at UBS. There, the professional honed skills over seven years in trading and managing hedge funds, illustrating the broad skill set developed through dynamic roles in equity and bond markets.Transition to EntrepreneurshipPost-UBS, the focus shifted to entrepreneurship. Establishing a firm dedicated to quantitative trading models, particularly in FX and index futures, demonstrated how skills from the trading floor could translate into innovative startups. Additionally, venturing into real estate private equity underscored the versatility of traders' skill sets, applying public markets expertise to property investments, dealing with unique challenges such as geopolitical impacts on supply chains.Trends and Future of Global MarketsThe integration of AI and machine learning into trading strategies signals the evolution of global markets. These technologies are reshaping approaches, offering novel methods to interpret and act on complex market data. The narrative suggests that staying attuned to technology trends is crucial for aspiring traders.Advice for Students/GraduatesFor those entering the field, building robust relationships and maintaining passion alongside analytical skills is vital. Large banks provide an excellent starting ground, offering a broad range of experiences—critical for later transitions to hedge funds or boutique investment firms. This journey underscores the importance of being open to diverse opportunities and cultivating a broad array of skills.In essence, sales and trading careers in global markets demand a blend of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning. Whether transitioning between roles or navigating between public and private investments, the journey is marked by a continual quest for new opportunities and challenges, echoing the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the financial markets themselves.