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.
1) 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!
You should read American Psycho mainly to understand the avatar names and inside jokes on WSO.
Do you mean this book? http://www.amazon.com/American-Psycho-Bret-Easton-Ellis/dp/0330319922/r…
It looks like a novel.....
Shell had a posting for a real time trader
it was filled this week
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.
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!
http://energyrtc.com/
list is at bottom
Nice book list, More Money Than God was a great read. You should also read Too Bog To Fail.
i will not reply to anyone that can not get my name right
I have corrected my typo in my post. I apologize for that....
thank you and sb for the correction
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.
I am working on bringing the writer of this book to energy rodeo 2012.. long shot but i am trying
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
what 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....
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.
no
Thanks. I also read that at Shell you would only start trading after two years or something, is this true?
Sent you a PM Nuremburg, are you still looking at energy trading?
Power Traders...advice appreciated (Originally Posted: 09/10/2007)
I have been invited for an interview for a power trader position at one of the major international energy company (Shell, BP etc)
My background is mostly in commodities - specifically natural gas.
Any ideas on what to brush up on would be greatly appreciated!
Btw, reason for switching is the new position would involve learning from the best in the game plus alot of travelling mostly in Eastern Europe which I would really love!
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.
Power Trading/Optimisation (Originally Posted: 04/01/2009)
I know some guys here work in the energy and power business so just thought I'd ask a quick question. I recently have been offered a job on the "Power Optimisation" desk of a large energy firm. I applied to the trading division and made that clear during all my interviews as thats where my interest lie so am just wondering what exactly this desk does.I have been told its front office but not sure of its exact interaction with the other desks.Im going take the role anyway because the market for juniors sucks and I like the energy sector but just wanted to hear from you guys.
think your "s" should be a "z"
Mistake noted.
you could move to real time when something opens up. good role if your intested in energy
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