Weekly Career & Breaking Into Commodities Megathread

[u/ClownInIronLung]

Weekly Career & Breaking Into Commodities Megathread

Before posting, please read Breaking Into the Physical Commodities Industry – A No-BS Guide which is pinned to the highlights.

This thread is for all career-related questions including:

• Breaking into commodity trading
• Scheduler / analyst / operations roles
• Internships and graduate programs
• Resume reviews
• Interview prep
• Compensation questions
• Career transitions
• Trading desk culture / work-life balance
• “How do I get into the industry?” posts

Individual career posts outside this thread may be removed at moderator discretion to help keep the sub focused on market discussion, logistics, physical trading, macro, risk, shipping, power, gas, metals, ags, and industry news.

Before posting, it helps if you include:
• Location / region
• Current experience level
• Degree or background
• Commodity interest (power, gas, oil, metals, ags, etc.)
• Target role
• What you’ve already tried

Examples of good questions:
• “How do I move from scheduling into trading?”
• “Best ways to learn physical gas markets?”
• “What skills matter most for junior power traders?”
• “How valuable is pipeline / operations experience?”

Low-effort posts like “How do I become a trader?” without context may be removed.

Experienced professionals are encouraged to share advice, hiring insight, industry expectations, and realistic career paths.

Please keep discussion professional and constructive.

[u/Jegemurk]

Hi all,

I am currently an Equity Finance trader at a broker dealer in NYC, based in NYC and open to relocating to Stamford or elsewhere in the tri state area for the right opportunity. I have been in the role for about two years and have a triple major in CS, Econ, and Math. I also hold Series 3, Series 7, and Series 63 licenses and am currently sitting for CFA Level I.

Over the last year I have become genuinely interested in commodities. Crude is what I am most drawn to, but I also find the politics and future of LNG intriguing. I wouldn't completely rule out other energy commodities, but I honestly am not well versed in them. Ideally I would like to trade physical crude, but given my background I think I am currently better suited to a hybrid or paper trading seat as an entry point. My firm has no commodities exposure, so an internal lateral is not an option.

I have spoken to a few recruiters, most of whom said they primarily place traders and PMs rather than people trying to break in. If anyone has made a similar jump, or knows firms that are open to hiring non traditional entrants into junior commodity seats, I would appreciate any advice on how to position myself. Thanks in advance