Life in & after MS in Commodity Trading at UNIGE?
I looked into UNIGE MS in Commodity Trading as one option to enter the Commodities Industry, and I like what I saw in their curriculum. I also like the fact that it is both a job and University Learning combined into one program.
It could be your firsthand experience or something you are aware of, I just needed to know about the life during the Commodity Masters program at UNIGE, and how it helps shape a career in the business. I understand that the program costs only CHF2000, and that a student will be in a traineeship for the majority of the program. I don't know how much one gets paid for the traineeship if at all, and what is the approximate cost of living during the program (per annum or per month). And, what is the base salary for anyone who has completed the program?
I have a good friend studying there. Be prepared for the fact that it will not be easy. You will have to prove yourself, and besides, this is a highly competitive niche, but a very high level of training and practice is taught here, so this is a HUGE plus to employment. The program in partnership with the Swiss Trading and Shipping Association, STSA The fee is very symbolic - $ 800 per year. The following companies send people: Mercuria energy trading, SA Cargill, Duferco, CS, BNP Paribas, Louis Dreyfus Commodities Suisse, Gunvor, ADM International Sarl, Koch Supply & Trading Sarl, Totsa Total Oil Trading, Addax Energy, Socar Trading, ED & F Man, Litasco, Metinvest, Gerald Metals, Englehart Commodities Trading Partners, gas, petroleum, sugar, cotton, coffee. Classes are held every other week on Fridays and Saturdays in the morning. If you show yourself well, you will reach the top.
What exactly is meant by 'you will have to prove yourself?' Are you talking about just grades or ability to reap profits or both? And, is the traineeship paid? If so, will it be enough to cover the living costs during the program?
Also, I came across a certain STSA membership fee that is fully or partially covered by the company offering traineeship. How did that go for your friend?
Thank you!
I meant that when you will be offered any additional opportunities, you will have to agree (that is, to catch every opportunity). So you will recommend yourself. But about the payment of internships, I do not know, honestly.
Trainee salaries range from shit (50k CHF) to still pretty shit (80k CHF) at various firms. Energy pays the most but has the hardest commercial seats to attain. Most firms will give you a good raise/bonus at the end of the deal.
If under 25, would totally apply. But be prepared to keep living the "student life". I was able to take a good bonus from my previous role to cushion the blow of the pay cut & increase in COL in CH
Thank you for the info.
What kind of roles are students hired for while they’re still in the program?
Can vary greatly. Some shops have formal programs for their trainees (Cargill) and some are more random/opportunistic (network your way in). Vitol for ex. will randomly hire 1 guy (usually asians for some reason) and Sucafina (totally passed on hiring for 2019)
Is a very good program indeed. I think that with London's CASS Business School is one of the best for breaking into O&G.
I have just been accepted to this program. Anyone done this program before? how easy/hard was it to find an internship after being accepted? FYI I am from the UK...
I was accepted into the program many years back as an American. Was a real bitch trying to secure an apprenticeship though without a European work visa and I wound up not going through with the program, although at the time they changed the rules to allow you to be a "student" in the program and you were not obligated to have an apprenticeship.
I work in energy trading for an oil major now in the States so probably a good thing I didn't end up doing the program as it probably would have set me back some time, hindsight 20/20 of course, but it's top notch and basically free. If you're young and just graduated or are only a year two into working it's worth a shot. As someone from the UK though you shouldn't have as difficult of a time securing an apprenticeship just make sure you start networking as early as you can and try reaching out to a lot of the different trading houses in Geneva to see if they are sponsoring this year (lot of them had been cutting back years ago and it's probably even worse with COVID now unfortunately).
Another note, at least when I was accepted to the program they had a "speed recruiting" day where they invite everyone they accepted to come to UNIGE to try and secure apprenticeships and you basically have 5-10 minutes per company to interview one after the other and are competing with the other students who've been accepted. I would assume this will probably be virtual this year if offered at all. It's largely up to you to try and convince a trading house to sponsor you once you get accepted.
Best of luck!
Agree with Ops Analyst, getting the job is the tough part. Not sure how it works with Brexit and all but get in touch with as many people as possible on Linkedin, cold calls, and that sort of thing. There should be a virtual speed recruiting or similar so make sure you are well prepared for that. It will not be easy but don't give up
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