Help with Physical commodities

Hello Friends,

I wanted to hear your advice. I have an undergrad in Earth sciences, and currently a masters in finance student. I was offered a broker position with an international brokerage firm. The position will deal with biofuels. Since I have no experience and that field and very open regarding my career path (I don't really care what is the job in finance/ business, as long as it pays very well). Could you share your opinion about such a starting career path? can you eventually transition to an S&T division within an IB? What are the potential earnings in your career? what is the common commission percentage? And anything else you would have in mind...

Thank you all!

10 Comments
 

I used to work at ICAP and these brokers were essentially calling them shelves sales traders. There were a few sales traders that went into interdealer brokering and vice versa, unsure about the physical side of the business but it doesn't relate to what banks do, generally. If you're a rock star broker and make a lot of money, what's the point of going to S&T? Don't get me wrong, brokering isn't a easy business nor is trading but there are brokers that do become traders from connections, maybe not market making but sales trading, possibly.

 
Most Helpful

Same as GoodBread

Rockstar commodity brokers seem to have more money and great lifestyle > anyone else I know in Houston. That said, for every 1 of those there's also 9 clowns trying to convince you they know something or someone you don't and therefore you should leverage them.

As it relates to what you'll learn - I can't speak from personal exp, never worked at a brokerage shop, but my guess is you won't learn nearly as much as you would in a rotational style program at a trading shop or better yet a supermajor. Also why would you AIM to go S&T at a bank?

 

So there is still plenty of money to be made as an IDB. No lie I know 3 guys all 35 easily clearing 2mm in very niche products. BUT at the same time tons of people wash out. A friend of mine got lucky and landed on a brand new desk and pulled in 225+60 base at 24. so YMMV.

Plenty of people fail and if you fail you will find it tough to find another role I think. So serious risk/reward to deal with

 
"YoungMan" (I don't really care what is the job in finance/ business, as long as it pays very well).

Solely based on this, you should take the broker job

 

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