There's a few threads already on WSO about this, most reiterating the sweaty culture and unlikely progression from grad - trader as Traf apparently like to hire traders from outside.
Had first round with the HR team this week who went out of their way to emphasise that this is the first year that they aim to progress grads from ops/risk to trading roles after the 2 year programme.
Anyone here working in Traf or the industry can attest to that? Or anyone else here who had interviews hear a similar sales pitch?
Just some interview notes: Skipped the small talk and CV and went straight to technicals questions on price impacts and logistics, how to hedge African oil export to the US, what risks does traf take/not take, some simple maths questions sprinkled in at random. 20mins in and out including questions at the end.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, Trafigura's Commercial Graduate Programme has been a topic of discussion, particularly regarding the progression from graduate roles to trading positions. Historically, it has been noted that Trafigura tends to hire traders externally rather than promoting graduates directly into trading roles. However, your mention of HR emphasizing a shift in this approach for 2026 aligns with a potential change in their strategy, as they aim to develop internal talent for trading roles after the two-year programme.
Regarding your interview experience, the focus on technical questions such as price impacts, logistics, hedging strategies (e.g., African oil exports to the US), and risk management aligns with the rigorous and practical nature of Trafigura's selection process. This is consistent with previous WSO threads, where candidates have shared similar experiences of technical and scenario-based questions during interviews.
If others in the industry or recent interviewees have heard similar updates about this shift in progression strategy, it would be valuable to confirm. However, the emphasis on technical skills and understanding of the business remains a key part of their evaluation process.
Sources: Trafigura Commodity Graduate Process, Transferring Commodities
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