Q&A - Commodity Grad Program Trader
Decided my experience (especially in college) may be helpful to some, so thought, why not do a Q&A? Some background on me - I'm currently a commodity grad program trader at a top major, who graduated from a very non-target university (low-level state school). Networking was like a full-time job for me, on top of running student groups and being involved. Graduated with a traditional finance degree, nothing too special. Had internships in financial advising (equity research for an advisor), buy-side equity research, private credit, and then my grad program.
Tbh, I'm not sure how the Q&A will turn out, but happy to help anyone who has questions on networking, college, commodity trading, etc.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key takeaways and advice that align with your background and the Q&A format you're offering:
Networking as a Full-Time Job:
Your experience highlights the importance of relentless networking, especially coming from a non-target school. Building a strong network is crucial for breaking into competitive fields like commodity trading. Utilize strategies such as:
Diverse Internship Experience:
Your internships in financial advising, buy-side equity research, and private credit demonstrate the value of gaining varied experiences. This aligns with WSO's advice to:
Commodity Trading Insights:
As a commodity grad program trader, you’re in a niche but highly competitive field. For those aspiring to follow a similar path:
Balancing College and Career Prep:
Running student groups and being involved in extracurriculars while networking and interning is a testament to your time management skills. WSO threads often stress the importance of:
Q&A Tips for Engagement:
To make your Q&A impactful:
If you’re looking for more structured advice to share, WSO’s Networking Guide and Financial Modeling resources could be great tools to recommend to your audience. Let me know if you’d like more tailored suggestions!
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/asset-management/qa-breaking-into-the-asset-management-industry?customgpt=1, Some Thoughts on Networking, Ask CompBanker, Some Thoughts on Networking, Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student
As somebody who is both interested in macro/commodities and private credit , why did you make the switch from PC to commodities trading at a HF ?
Good question, it was most definitely because of the pace. I’ll preface my time in a private credit internship was more in a middle office role (front office was for ex-IB guys kinda like PE, they took no interns).
Private credit at that stage was just unbelievably sleepy to me. Not that I didn’t get worked like a dog (I did), but I’m the type that needs to be close to the action, and I felt myself missing the markets that summer.
That being said private credit is a great space to get into regardless, it really just wasn’t for me. Commodities is much more my style and I’m thriving here.
Thanks for hosting this. I'm a sophmore who's currently a non target transferring to Baruch next spring. Also want to get into the commodities space.
Thank you
Congrats on the new home.
1. I had to do a lot of cold emailing to get on the phone with those outside my alumni base at my school, especially in commodities. Every call that I was able to get they loved the hustle and heart and were more than willing to help. My "non-targetness" actually helped me a lot. Everyone loves an underdog.
2. Not really anything that you can't quickly find with a quick google search or on ChatGPT. A lot of the things I read that the general public doesn't read is my firms proprietary data and stuff from our analytics team + strategists. That's a big part of our edge and unfortunately can't share.
Best of luck feel free to PM.
Dude what’s the likelihood of reaching trader after finishing the program like. Do some guys have to grind out another year or two to get there even after the program? I’m super convinced this is the right path for hardworking smart guys but constantly lean towards paper trading at a bank because I’m afraid market timing and stuff won’t even give me a shot at being a trader
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