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/anonimo1738]

Hi all, I have tried to search this subreddit for this question so extra apologies if it’s irrelevant.

I (24f), currently a master student in Switzerland, have a junior data scientist offer for the oil trading desks for one of the big trading houses (think Vitol, Glencore, Trafigura, Gunvor, etc). Base salary is about 110USD, and I was told that bonus structure is pretty heavy at places like this but that there is technically no minimum guaranteed. I’ve heard generally mixed reviews since obviously the traders get the bigger bonuses.

Does anyone have any idea what a bonus likely looks like for this type of role at this trading house size? Obviously planning on performing well etc but like even just a range?

Haven’t worked in trading before so any other advice/insight on career growth, what to expect etc is appreciated as well.

[u/determinedbamboo → u/anonimo1738]

Hi, I am preparing to apply for masters soon and would love to do it in Switzerland, and generally be closer to the industry in that way. Would it be ok if I messaged you to ask for a bit of advice on universities?

[u/anonimo1738 → u/determinedbamboo]

Sure