Career Switch to Power Trader/Scheduler/Analyst

Hi Guys, I have been reading posts in this forum for a few days. Although I am still a bit new to here or the field such as power trading, I would like to take the liberty to ask you guys some questions regarding my plan of career switch to power trading.

My background focuses on engineering of power electronics. Having been in design/development of power electronic systems’ code and electrical circuit for almost 9 years, I feel that I am really tired of it due to less and less challenges and, more severe, a narrower career path. I am asking myself everyday if I want to spend my life in it. My answer is NO.

Fortunately, I found this forum and read lots of threads here. I am impressed by so many warmhearted people sincerely answered questions. Thinking of switching my career to power trader/analyst/scheduler, I’d like to raise some questions. Maybe they are probably kind of naïve, still please give some of your input:

1) With my engineering background, where to collect related knowledge? It is highly appreciated if anyone could recommend some books.

2) Most positions seem to require 3+ yrs experience. With my engineering background, is there any suggestion to make my cover letter and resume look more outstanding? Or in other words, how to get into the field with my almost pure engineering background although I think I technically understand “power” very well.

3) Will age be a problem? I am in early thirties, not in twenties. Is that common to become a fresh trader/scheduler at this age?

4) I am physically in Boston right now. Are there many power trader/scheduler positions around this area?

I am appreciative should you shed some light for me.

35 Comments
 
monty091) I have mentioned a power book on here a few times.. may try to search since i dont rememeber name 2) your fine 3) yes 4) nyiso is looking for a real time guy right now

Thank you so much, month09. I did search for the power book you mentioned but did not find it. But you listed a couple of books in one of posts. Do you mean that book is among them? do you mind pointing that out for me? " The Big Short More Money Then God American Physco The Smartest Guys in The Room gmat prep The King of Oil The Price of Admissions "

Do you mean that age should not be a problem if I am in my thirties(?)

Also, I checked nyiso's website and seems there is no real-time power trader position opened. Maybe I should try Texas.

Another question is with a pure engineering background, do you think which position would be more probable for me to get: analyst, scheduler or trader?

Thanks again for your help in advance, again!

 

Age can be an issue, however engineers are plenty in the wall street world. I would recomend trying to get intouch with monty99 he is very knowledgeable about the power trading industry.

Follow the shit your fellow monkeys say @shitWSOsays Life is hard, it's even harder when you're stupid - John Wayne
 
heisterAge can be an issue, however engineers are plenty in the wall street world. I would recomend trying to get intouch with monty99 he is very knowledgeable about the power trading industry.

monty09 or other experts: can you please give me more ideas of how to enter the power trading field with a pure engineering background? Well, it seems age is a real problem which I have to face....Time seems limited to me. So, please give me as much input as possible. and I will take actions based on that.

Thanks a bunch!

 
monty09i will not reply to anyone that can not get my name right

I have corrected my typo in my post. I apologize for that....

 

Energy Trading and Investing is a good "introduction" book. It covers the entire energy market (natrual gas, oil, electricity,ect.) It has a nice chapter on electricity/power trading.

 
talebi818Energy Trading and Investing is a good "introduction" book. It covers the entire energy market (natrual gas, oil, electricity,ect.) It has a nice chapter on electricity/power trading.

Thank you! I have ordered it from Amazon. Are there any books to recommend for interview preparation?

 
Nuremburg
talebi818Energy Trading and Investing is a good "introduction" book. It covers the entire energy market (natrual gas, oil, electricity,ect.) It has a nice chapter on electricity/power trading.

Thank you! I have ordered it from Amazon. Are there any books to recommend for interview preparation?

not much you can find in a book.. talking to as many people in the industry would be best bet

 
monty09what are your interest and questions.. i can put you in touch with some folks that maybe can help

Thank you so much for your sincere help, monty09.

My interest focuses on energy trading/analysis. It is a little embarrassing that my questions are probably rudimentary, such as 1) what is the career path for a power trader/energy analyst ? 2) How to enter the field with a pure engineering background? 3) What is basic knowledge required? 4)how to prepare a resume and interview for such a position? etc....

 
Best Response
Nuremburg
monty09what are your interest and questions.. i can put you in touch with some folks that maybe can help

Thank you so much for your sincere help, monty09.

My interest focuses on energy trading/analysis. It is a little embarrassing that my questions are probably rudimentary, such as 1) what is the career path for a power trader/energy analyst ? 2) How to enter the field with a pure engineering background? 3) What is basic knowledge required? 4)how to prepare a resume and interview for such a position? etc....

  1. i hit on this already on what i seen on my desk 2.MBA may be best option
  2. read the books i mentioned
  3. send me your resume and I can look at it... i can also give you a mock interview
 

Some one mentioned Shell.... is the trading at Shell any different from trading at a BB of other bank? Looking to maybe intern there next year in their trading department.

 

I am guessing it is a real time position trading hourly physical power. You probably know more than everybody else having worked in commodities. I have seen people with no experience get hired to trade real time. You will be fine.

 

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