Good idea to move to Calgary for Commodities internship?

Rising sophomore 

I believe I can get a big4 audit/assurance, maybe f500 finance internship, anything more is uncertain/unlikely.

Would it be a good decision to move to Alberta for a sophomore summer internship for commodities marketing(Oil & Gas?).

PROS: Would involve generating pricing/commodity commenting reports, tracking commodity prices, pipeline flows, inventory levels, updating supply/demand models, and related stuff. 

CONS: I would have to eat rental costs, wouldn't lose money over the summer but the take-home would be limited

Hoping to get into a pension fund/bank, currently nothing specific but I need a better internship to get there.

Region
5 Comments
 

Commodities marketing is great and definitely a strong pipeline into capital markets roles (seen both S&T and IB). You’ll probably be an especially strong candidate for capital markets in Calgary due to the energy exposure, but I’m sure roles in Toronto (particularly S&T) would be possible as well if you have a strong network there.

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights regarding your situation:

Pros of Moving to Calgary for a Commodities Internship:

  • Relevant Experience: The internship involves generating pricing/commodity commenting reports, tracking commodity prices, pipeline flows, inventory levels, and updating supply/demand models. This hands-on experience is highly relevant and valuable for a future career in commodities trading or finance.
  • Industry Hub: Calgary is a significant hub for energy trading, particularly in oil and gas. This location can provide you with industry-specific exposure and networking opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere.
  • Skill Development: The tasks you will be performing are directly related to the commodities market, which will help you develop specialized skills that are attractive to future employers in the finance and energy sectors.

Cons of Moving to Calgary:

  • Cost of Living: You mentioned that you would have to cover rental costs, which could limit your take-home pay. This is a significant consideration, especially if financial constraints are a concern.
  • Opportunity Cost: While the internship is valuable, you need to weigh it against other potential opportunities, such as Big 4 audit/assurance or F500 finance internships, which might offer different but equally valuable experiences.

Additional Considerations:

  • Long-term Goals: If your long-term goal is to get into a pension fund or bank, the specialized experience in commodities could set you apart from other candidates. However, ensure that this aligns with the specific roles you are targeting.
  • Networking: Being in Calgary, a hub for energy trading, could provide you with unique networking opportunities that might not be available in other locations. This could be beneficial for future job searches and career growth.

Conclusion:

Moving to Calgary for a commodities internship could be a strategic move if you are looking to build a career in commodities trading or finance. The specialized experience and industry exposure could outweigh the financial costs, especially if it aligns with your long-term career goals. However, carefully consider your financial situation and weigh it against other potential opportunities.

If you need more personalized advice, consider discussing this with mentors or professionals already working in the field.

Sources: Calgary IB Rankings, Can we get a list going of sophomore summer 2019 programs/internships? (Confused), Oil and Gas IB Future, Advice for a 21-year-old entering BB S&T?, A Warning on the Wells Fargo Securities Investment Banking Summer Analyst Program

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

That sounds like a truly great opportunity. I would do it if I were you.  

 

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