Physical Commodities / HF / Infra PE? Chimp seeking guidance

Based on the most helpful WSO content, your personality and interests align well with the physical commodities trading space. Here's why and how you might approach your decision:

Why Physical Commodities Trading Could Be a Fit:

1. People Skills and Relationship Building: Physical commodities trading thrives on relationships, negotiations, and market intelligence gathered through conversations. Your natural inclination toward engaging with people and learning from them is a strong asset here.
2. Tangible World: The physical commodities space is deeply rooted in the tangible—moving goods, managing logistics, and understanding supply-demand dynamics. This aligns with your preference for working in a more concrete, less abstract environment.
3. Dynamic and Fast-Paced: The trading world, especially in physical commodities, is fast-paced and requires quick decision-making, which could suit your personality if you enjoy dynamic challenges.

Why Hedge Funds or Infra PE Might Be Less Aligned:

• Hedge Funds: While macro funds might appeal to your interest in big-picture thinking, the HF space often demands a strong quantitative edge, especially in research-heavy roles. If you're not drawn to abstract or highly quantitative work, this might not be the best fit.
• Infrastructure PE: While Infra PE involves tangible assets, it leans more toward long-term investment strategies and financial modeling. If you're more energized by the day-to-day action and people-driven dynamics, this might feel less engaging.

Steps to Explore Physical Commodities Trading:

1. Internships and Networking: Leverage your internship offers to build connections and gain exposure. If possible, seek opportunities in trading firms or companies with a commodities focus.
2. Learn the Industry: Dive into resources like books on physical commodity trading or forums discussing the space. Understanding the nuances of logistics, price discovery, and market dynamics will give you an edge.
3. Develop a Niche Skill: Consider learning a language like Mandarin if you're interested in global trading desks, as suggested in WSO threads. This can make you stand out in international markets.
4. Stay Open to Change: Your interests may evolve as you gain more exposure. Keep an open mind and use internships to test your fit in different roles.

Final Thoughts:

Your personality and interests suggest that physical commodities trading could be a rewarding path. It combines the tangible, people-driven aspects you enjoy with the dynamic nature of trading. Use your internships to explore and confirm your fit, and don't hesitate to pivot if your preferences shift over time.

Sources: Is S&T still a good career path?, Physical Trading: Best commodities to be in?, Physical Commodity Trading, Q&A: I'm an Agricultural Commodities Trader, A few questions on getting started in physical trading