Stay on commods desk at BB or move to glencore/trafigura?

I've been on my desk (metals) for two years. I like it here, i still feel like i'm learning, and i do think i could have a successful career here into the future. I don't want to name names but it is considered in the top tier in commodities. However, i have an opportunity to move to a top trading house in the physical space. What would you do? I think the pros and cons are pretty clear for either but i'd like any opinions on the topic. Thank you.

35 Comments
 

What is the job role at the BB, what is the job role at Traf/Glencore?

Trading? Ops/Ex? Risk? Sales?

Pretty crucial information.

 
Best Response

Okay thats clearer - a junior trade role at Glencore/Traf is likely to be somewhat ops/execution heavy (especially as you haven't done physical before) and you will need to learn that side of the business. The likelihood is you would act as a support style role to the senior traders and slowly take on risk over a few years.

Now given the choice I would say trading metals at Glencore/Traf would be a more interesting career role than what I assume is a more derivative focussed, client flow type role. Physical is just way more interesting, entrepreneurial and challenging and can be just as if not more lucrative.

THAT being said the two key things here: 1) you say you are still learning at your current job 2) you have risk and are actually trading

If you don't feel yourself plateauing any time soon then I would stick with the BB for a little longer instead of exchanging for what will be an ops/execution/contracts/trading mishmash role.

 
"GMG" Okay thats clearer - a junior trade role at Glencore/Traf is likely to be somewhat ops/execution heavy (especially as you haven't done physical before) and you will need to learn that side of the business. The likelihood is you would act as a support style role to the senior traders and slowly take on risk over a few years.

Now given the choice I would say trading metals at Glencore/Traf would be a more interesting career role than what I assume is a more derivative focussed, client flow type role. Physical is just way more interesting, entrepreneurial and challenging and can be just as if not more lucrative.

THAT being said the two key things here: 1) you say you are still learning at your current job 2) you have risk and are actually trading

If you don't feel yourself plateauing any time soon then I would stick with the BB for a little longer instead of exchanging for what will be an ops/execution/contracts/trading mishmash role.

agree 100%

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