Graduate Trainee Trader

[Iceman82]

Does anyone know what the hell this job entails?! My mate from uni has seen the job advertised, and he has always been attracted by the cut and thrust of a city job. He doesn't have a finance degree but surely that shouldn't be a problem? I assume it must be something like a futures trader or similar? I must say that when I saw the advert they did sell it rather well! Highly competitive/sporty types are ideal apparently!!

[mindgam3]

I'm pretty sure you'd have to have a relevant degree seeing as though it's got graduate at the front of the job title?

Graduate training schemes are run by many business' for people who have just finished their degree and are wanting to be trained in their particulare business

>> Edited by mindgam3 on Thursday 27th January 16:40

[ATG]

Could be trading anything. Job will probably involve having the piss taken out of you and being sent out to get the coffee. If he's bright, lively and shallow, he should give it a go . Does it say which house is advertising, or is it totally non-specific guff from a recruitment agency?

[Iceman82]

Yes that's what I would have thought, but he claims that they don't actually specify that and instead rather harp on about having a competitive edge and long hours!!

[ATG]

Iceman82 said:

Yes that's what I would have thought, but he claims that they don't actually specify that and instead rather harp on about having a competitive edge and long hours!!

Sounds normal to me. Beyond reasonable numeracy, they are unlikely to be looking for much previous knowledge. You can pick up the basic economics, accounting and finance kowledge on the job pretty quickly. If you don't have the ability to grasp big picture stuff like that quickly, then you aren't likely to have the right type of mind for the job. Decisiveness, good communication, getting a buzz out of risk taking without getting anal are the attributes they'll be looking for. They aren't going to be looking for people who get lost in detail. Depending on the type of roles they're looking to fill they might well be looking for a range of skills too, i.e. some linguists, some number crunchers.

[obiwonkeyblokey]

Get him to read "Ugly Americans" by Ben Mezrich

www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0434012351/qid=1106845863/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/026-0555649-2607619

should cover all he needs to know.

[Iceman82]

It's through some recruitment agency. He doesn't even know what the starting salary is! We did ancient history together, so he knows how to cut through details etc. I think he just has this view of himself on the trading floor in one of those mutli-coloured jackets!

[2 Smokin Barrels]

[Iceman82]

Now that's bloody funny!! To be fair he does look a bit like rodney!!

[Iceman82]

Well he has applied, even though he knows nothing about the job exactly!! Should be interesting to see if he gets it and what exactly it involves!!

[ATG]

Good luck to him! Glad to see you two did a genuinely non-vocational degree. Civilised but bankrupt

[Iceman82]

ATG said:

Good luck to him! Glad to see you two did a genuinely non-vocational degree. Civilised but bankrupt

Sadly true!! Though if he enjoys it, I may have to see if I can get a job in a similar vein! Does sound very interesting and appealing!!