Im now a junior trader, how do i excel to become the best?

10 months ago I asked for math advice, thank you to all those that helped. Luckily for me the interviews had no maths and somehow I got through. Since then I guess(?) ive moved in the role to become a jnr trader, managing a good sized niche digital assets book with a senior trader. They've taught me very well and we annualise 5-30%, very simple, lf, strangely its very low-freq big trades with mid-high risk. 

my question now is what can i do to become the best? what do i need to read? study? practise? do? 

2 Comments
 

To excel as a junior trader and aim to become the best, here’s a roadmap based on the most helpful WSO content:

  1. Master Excel and Technical Skills:

    • Excel is your lifeline. Learn advanced formulas, conditional formatting, and VBA. As highlighted in WSO threads, trading platforms often link to Excel, and errors can be costly. You need to troubleshoot and adapt quickly if something goes wrong.
    • Practice backtesting strategies and analyzing data using Excel, as some traders have done to refine their decision-making.
  2. Understand Your Product and Market:

    • Dive deep into the niche digital assets you’re trading. Learn the technical and fundamental factors that drive their price movements.
    • Study the history of trade ideas and their performance. Tracking and analyzing your trades will help you identify patterns and improve your strategies.
  3. Develop Risk Management Skills:

    • Managing risk is critical, especially with mid-high risk trades. Learn to hedge effectively using derivatives and options, as mentioned in WSO discussions.
    • Understand how to calculate and adjust your positions in real-time, even under pressure.
  4. Build a Strong Knowledge Base:

    • Read books and resources on trading psychology, risk management, and market analysis. Some popular recommendations include "Trading in the Zone" by Mark Douglas and "Market Wizards" by Jack Schwager.
    • Stay updated on macroeconomic news and its impact on digital assets. This will help you make informed decisions.
  5. Practice Mental Resilience:

    • Trading can be stressful, and mistakes are inevitable. Learn to handle setbacks without letting them affect your performance. As one WSO thread mentions, dealing with mistakes and building confidence takes time and experience.
    • Develop a routine to stay calm and focused, even during high-pressure situations.
  6. Network and Learn from Others:

    • Engage with senior traders and peers to learn from their experiences. Ask questions, seek feedback, and observe their decision-making processes.
    • Participate in forums like WSO to gain insights from other traders and industry professionals.
  7. Work Harder Than Everyone Else:

    • As one ex-bank trader turned hedge fund manager emphasized, success in trading often comes down to outworking others. Dedicate time to studying, practicing, and refining your skills.
  8. Track Your Progress:

    • Keep a journal of your trades, including the rationale behind each decision, outcomes, and lessons learned. This will help you identify strengths and areas for improvement.

By focusing on these areas, you’ll position yourself to excel as a trader and stand out in your field.

Sources: Preparing for a Jr. Trader/Desk Assistant Role, 13 year old trader, Sucking as a junior trader, Q&A: ex-bank trader now running crypto hedge fund. questions?, Best Practices for Junior Bankers - Top 10 Things to Do

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

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