Commodities Trading or Equity Research?

Hi guys, a quick question here. I am a recent graduate who has been working for about one year right now. Located in Asia currently. I have two options right now and am contemplating - either to go into Glencore to start off as traffic and then perhaps progressing onto a trader as I make it, or going into insurance equity research at one of the BBs.

Just want to get you guys' opinions as these two are very very different industry. I will definitely get a much higher pay if i go into ER, but was just wondering if I make it as a trader in Glencore will it be much better for long term? TBH my main concerns are just on the compensation in the medium term/career path. I don't really care about the hours as I am used to it, and ER hours isn't bad at all so this isn't a problem at all.

Thanks guys.

4 Comments
 
Best Response

If you do go to Glencore, the big question is if, not when, you will become a trader. Not everyone get that opportunity to transition from the BO to a trading role. You could end up spending many years in operations at Glencore with few exit ops or advancement opportunities. Only take the job at Glencore if you love commodity trading and are confident in your future potential. Otherwise, I would go for the ER position due to the better pay and easier-to-obtain exit ops.

 

Gangster Putin Thanks for the advice, appreciate it. Actually I am getting in via referral to glencore, and from what I know they tend to take fresh grads and everyone who wants to be a trader has to be in traffic for at least 1-2 years before no matter what.

I'm just not clear about the compensation as a junior trader, if I happen to make it. TBH I don't know if I am crazy about commodities trading, myself I love trading stocks and have somewhat a decent track record for my portfolio. Ironic thing is that I can't be doing that once going into ER (although thats not really a concern, just one of my hobbies for some side income).

Commodities trading sounds exciting and I think I have the cut to make it as a trader, just weighing it between this and ER right now..

Gone are the days that physical traders can make decent money?

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