Python, VBA, SQL for junior commodity trader?
Hey, I will start as a physical oil trader in Europe and was wondering how I should best prep myself for the role. I understand that there's a lot of data analysis and supply/demand modeling in the day-to-day tasks and was wondering which tools should i spend the most time learning.
I have zero prior coding experience.
For a junior commodity trader role, especially in physical oil trading, here's how you can prioritize your preparation:
VBA: Based on the most helpful WSO content, VBA is highly relevant for Excel-based programming and analysis. Many trading desks rely on Excel for real-time position tracking, risk management, and quick calculations. Learning VBA will allow you to automate repetitive tasks and troubleshoot issues efficiently, which is crucial when working with dynamic data.
Python: Python is a versatile and increasingly popular tool in finance. It can be used for supply/demand modeling, data analysis, and even building trading algorithms. Python's libraries (like Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib) make it ideal for handling large datasets and performing complex analyses. If you have no prior coding experience, Python's intuitive syntax makes it a great starting point.
SQL: SQL is essential for retrieving and organizing data from databases. If your role involves accessing large datasets or maintaining historical data for analysis, SQL will be invaluable. It complements Python well, as Python can import SQL queries for further analysis.
Recommendation: Start with VBA since it directly ties to Excel, which is a staple tool in trading. Once you're comfortable, move on to Python for more advanced modeling and analysis. Finally, learn SQL to handle database-related tasks. Building a small project, like a basic supply/demand model or a position tracker, can help solidify your skills.
For additional resources, you can explore tutorials or courses tailored to finance professionals. If your firm offers internal training or reimburses for external courses, take advantage of those opportunities.
Sources: Programming/Technical Skills for Finance: SQL and Python, Programming/Technical Skills for Finance: SQL and Python, Learning coding on your own for finance?, Technical Skills to Prep for SA S&T, Using VBA as a Fixed Income Sell Side Trader
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