Breaking into Real Time Power Trading

Based in HTX and have spent the past couple of months or so applying to RT power positions (there haven't been many) and haven't unfortunately received any interviews yet. I have reached out to quite a number of people but have only had a couple of calls (and the community is generally small so I can't mass blast out LinkedIn requests or cold emails). I wanted to see if there is anything I could do to better my situation as most of these positions require prior experience in RT but I am told RT is the entry level point into electricity. I have 0 energy related experience as I was on the finance track during undergrad.

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, breaking into Real Time (RT) Power Trading, especially in Houston, can indeed be challenging without prior experience in the energy sector. Here are some actionable steps you can take to enhance your chances:

  1. Networking: Continue reaching out to professionals in the field. Since the community is small, focus on building meaningful relationships rather than quantity. Ask insightful questions during your calls and follow up with a thank you note. This could increase your chances of being remembered when an opportunity arises.

  2. Education and Certifications: Consider enrolling in courses related to energy trading or obtaining certifications that can provide you with a foundational understanding of the energy markets, trading strategies, and the regulatory environment.

  3. Simulations and Practical Experience: Engage in trading simulations if possible. Some platforms and courses offer simulated trading environments that mimic the energy markets. This hands-on experience can be valuable and also a talking point during interviews.

  4. Attend Industry Conferences and Seminars: These can be great places to meet industry professionals and learn more about current trends and challenges in the energy trading sector.

  5. Leverage Your Finance Background: Highlight how your skills in finance can be beneficial in trading roles. Skills like quantitative analysis, risk management, and financial modeling are highly transferable and can be emphasized in your applications and interviews.

  6. Internships or Entry-Level Positions in Related Fields: If direct entry into RT trading is proving difficult, consider other roles in the energy sector that can serve as stepping stones, such as positions in energy analysis or as a junior scheduler.

Persistence is key in such a competitive field. Keep learning, networking, and applying, and consider broadening your search to include roles that can eventually lead to RT trading positions.

Sources: Refined fuels trading experience but lackluster Engineering GPA, energy trader, do I move?, , Power trading in Houston, Offered a Real Time Trader job at a respectable utility with a tricky situation. Thoughts?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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