Oil and Gas Trader Development Programs

I'm looking to make a career change. I currently work offshore as a subsea engineer but was interested in an oil and gas trader development program. I've seen them for Shell and BP and I'd like to get more info on the positions. What is the work schedule like? What are the work days like? What kind of trading do they do primarily? How long does the program take? Basic workscope and quality of life really.

Next, I'm interested in opportunities upon completion of the program. If it takes 2 to 3 years to complete, where do you go from there? I'd like to get an idea of what people make in a trader development program but more importantly how much do people make once they complete the program? I'm nearly as high as I can go as a subsea engineer and my pay will max out. I want more of a challenge and a much higher ceiling.

I do not have a finance background but have no issue taking a GMAT and getting an MBA if need be. Or if there are certain classes that would be a good intro into trading I would appreciate the advice.

 

shell and bp have very good programs. many top oil traders today started at one of these shops. BP is particularly known for breeding the current generation of traders. shell is all in houston. bp is natgas/power in houston and oil in chicago.

 
Best Response
E46fan91:
Do undergrad energy trading programs like Tulane's actually help students develop a solid skill-set? Will a lot of what is learned be applicable outside of the classroom? I understand that people say that trading can't be taught in a classroom and just want to get some opinions.

I am in this program and I think it definitely does. Two of the energy-related courses I've taken have been incredibly interesting and helped me learn a lot. We have a trading floor for the trading simulations/competitions that uses live market data and is equipped with LIM/Reuters/X_Trader and other fun stuff, so you learn how to use it before you go to your job or whatever. And if you take Burkenroad and cover an energy company, you are already more well-versed than other interns in building models and forecasting for an energy company. I'm doing an energy IB summer with a Big 4 in Houston, and I only joined the energy specialization in January.

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