From AGS FO to Energy MO
Hello everyone, I need your advice to navigate my next career move.
I’m currently working as a junior trader (2 years) at a top grain trading house in Geneva. While the experience has been solid, I don’t see myself in agriculture long-term. It seems that once traders stay too long in grains, they tend to be locked into that commodity, and transitions to energy trading (oil, gas, power) are rare. At my company, most traders either stay or move to another firm but within grains.
Right now, I’m in the process for two MO roles (risk management, PnL, reconciliation, execution) at major energy trading firms (top 5). Given my goal is to move into front-office energy trading, I’m debating whether I should take the MO role to break into energy and then push internally (2-3 years) for a trading seat, or if this transition is too difficult and I should stay in my current junior trading position (even if it’s in grains).
I’ve noticed that at one of the firms I’m applying to, several traders have transitioned from MO to FO, whereas at the second firm, this transition seems much rarer based on LinkedIn searches.
Questions:
1️⃣ Is it worth moving into an MO position at a top energy firm now while I’m still early in my career, with the goal of transitioning into trading?
2️⃣ If I move into MO in energy but can’t make the internal jump to trading, would I still be able to transition back into a trading role elsewhere (even if outside energy)?
3️⃣ Is it generally easier to go from MO → FO internally at an energy trading house, or would I be better off trying to jump directly from grains trading into energy trading?
Appreciate any insights from those who’ve made a similar move! 🚀
Hey man, have not made the transition personally or know anyone that has. Also based out of the US not Europe so advice might not be 100% relevant.
However, I am a few years in as a junior trader in oil/gas/power. IMO someone with your background could probably make the transition without jumping to middle office. Many of those top trading shops are not well know for promoting guys from within into trading roles. They tend to hire external candidates to fill trader roles fyi.
I would suggest you look at gas scheduler/power scheduler/ rt power trader roles instead. It will definitely take a bit of networking to land something but someone with your background should be able to grab some traction and land somewhere. Another piece of advice would be to really have your narrative nailed down to why you want to transition from ags to energy.
Would not advise that as there is typically low internal mobility within the big firms between risk and trading. It’s usually external hires, or structured development programs. Do your due diligence before just assuming that it could happen down the line.
I actually made this move. The pay is better and enabled me to get out of finance shortly, but the pace/stress can get rough. It beats the hell out of dealing with farmers and truckers, though.
The role was pitched to me as a stepping stone to the front-office and the opportunities are clearly there (routes are 1. Origination or 2. Scheduling -> Trading) at the shop that I'm at, so it's definitely a great opportunity if you're ambitious and excited about a career in energy. I also have quite a few recruiters reach out somewhat regularly about roles at funds or other shops where there is a path to a front office role from MO, or a similar position, so you should still have opportunities to make it up to FO if you're patient and willing to move around, even if the firm you head to doesn't necessarily allow people to advance.
A bit unrelated but I’m also early on my career trying to make the move to energy and I was wondering if you have any resources or advice regarding interview prep
It helps to understand the fundamentals of mark-to-market accounting and being able to really demonstrate passion for why you want to be in energy rather than any other space. When you’re starting in an MO/BO position, being able to show that you have impeccable attention to detail is absolutely paramount, as well. I’m a bit short on sleep and like 12 beers deep rn so I’m sure this could be structured and expanded upon much better, but feel free to reach out if you have any questions and I’d be happy to help.
Just remember that if you are applying to entry-level / graduate MO roles, most of the other applicants will have no trading experience. You are advantaged here, but obviously still very competitive because the areas they shine you may lack right now. I know someone (from LinkedIn) who just made the leap from an ABCD trader to an oil major non-trader role, early in career.
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