Hey WSO,
Looking for some advice, please.
I graduated from university in the UK last July and have spent the past seven months working as a freight trader at a niche firm in Switzerland. Before taking the role, I did the usual internships expected of any undergrad keen for a role in markets: springweek and summer internships at BBs, part-time placements at other big banks and buy-side firms.
Unfortunately, my first week on the trading floor during the summer was Brexit and so - as well as the bank internally shifting towards wealth management - offers were very thin on the ground.
I ultimately took this job over a master's position at Oxbridge. I took the role because it was advertised as a "commodity trader" position at a leading firm, and because the starting salary was - frankly - outstanding. Over half a year in, and I'm already looking to leave. As far as I can tell, opportunities for progression are limited, while emphasis on technical development is near non-existent. I feel as though friends at more established firms (both banks and commodity houses) are learning a lot more and getting better brand names on their CVs to boot.
1) How significantly have I harmed my career prospects, and what are my best options going forward? 2) How selective are / what are the requirements for "experienced trader" programmes at the likes of Trafigura, Shell, etc? 3) Should I try and jump ASAP to a more technically demanding role, or would that look poor on my CV? 4) What about waiting it out for 2yrs and - worst case scenario - returning to the UK to then do a master's?
Am well aware above questions are a little scatter-brained, however have always been impressed by the responses on the site and would hugely appreciate the advice.
Happy to provide more detail if needed!
Luke123, sorry there are no responses yet. Maybe one of these topics can point you in the right direction:
Who will rescue this thread? @WoodySan" aceon Bernard-Chen
Hope that helps.
UPDATE:
After sending my CV to every firm that I considered a "step-up" I could find, I have been offered a job trading commodity derivatives (energy and metals) at a hedge fund / prop shop in London.
I'll be leaving my current firm after about nine months of employment.
While it will certainly appear odd-ish on my CV that I'm leaving a firm so quickly, I believe it's the right choice. The new firm is a lot more advanced in terms of its trading strategy and provides far greater scope for development.
Overall, I'm very happy!
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