Physical Commodities Trading (PCT)- Career change

Hi

Am an IT professional (15 years) interested in PCT. Need advise on career change. Economics graduate, speak 3 languages ( learning a 4 th one), like to travel ( business and leisure). Have 3 different passports that allow me to travel amywhere. Work for major consulting firms ( Deloitte, KPMG, Accenture). Do I need a master ? Any list of books you would suggest. Any suggestion is appreciated. Thanks. 

3 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Are you working with any clients in the industry from your IT background?  Perhaps you can look to get hired directly, initially into a support systems role but you can always network from there to move internally.  The barriers between departments at an oil major at least tend to be lower, less rigid than banks or hedge funds.  

At your experience level, I think it will be tough to move into a trader development program directly, applying blind from an internet post.  Feel free to try, but those are designed more for 22-28 year olds because companies want to fill their talent pipeline to replace retiring traders.  And they can get 10+ more years out of someone like than than someone your age.

From the perspective of someone based in the US, knowing languages is cool, but I don’t think learning any more will really help set you apart. All business is done in English. Masters degree not useful in the US to move into a trading role.  Perhaps if you want to do CS/stats and want to move into an analyst role.  Could be different in Europe though. 

 

Hello. Many thanks for your prompt answer. Much appreciate. I wondered that my age could be an issue. I have been thinking of moving to Europe, after 29 years in the US. I am a French Citizen, which should increase my options. I am looking into Geneva, eventhough there would be some residency requirements. Any suggestions. Again thank you ? Still open for input and/or suggestions from anybody

 

Dolores atque culpa non. Vel ut nesciunt nam ipsam. Id enim dolorem ullam aut molestiae. Nihil accusamus a quasi nisi.

Consequatur id facilis aut. Ut quisquam vel occaecati modi. Dolores error labore ullam ut corporis harum facilis.

Et ducimus sit voluptatibus numquam consequatur. Eum ut ut inventore occaecati aut. Eum sit placeat esse non doloremque. Alias deserunt aperiam deserunt harum nobis ipsum. Eos voluptas exercitationem quis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (50) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”