I am a Glencore Trader Q&A

pretty interesting, although I'm quite surprised to see an AMA from someone in this industry given how secretive traders usually are (specially at Glencore :S). Interesting that he came from Shell, I think the majors are pretty good places to start. It seems to me that your way in a commercial position (or a role that could lead to a commercial position) at those firms is 1) you know someone 2) you come in as experienced hire, and a ton of the experienced hires come from BP, Shell etc. Food for thought for those who dream abt Glencore and the likes ;), especially considering that not knowing anyone at those firms you almost have NO way in. I'd expect the recruiting process at the majors to be much more democratic on the other hand.