Junior trader jobs can include positions in a variety of financial institutions under the supervision of licensed and experienced personnel. The qualifications needed for a position can vary, but may include a college degree in some cases. Junior traders may participate in research, analysis, and other tasks to support other staff at the organization. This can be an entry-level position to prepare for more advanced trading work, or it can give people financial industry experience they can use to apply into related positions.
Some junior trader jobs primarily involve clerical work and may be open to people with limited education. They record trades, make sure information is communicated within the organization, produce printed materials, and help with other administrative tasks. Pay is typically low, with no access to commissions or bonuses related to major trades. There is also not significant room for advancement, unless the trader has a college degree and excels in the position.
Other junior trader jobs can involve more complex tasks like analyzing investments and portfolios, forecasting, and making recommendations to other personnel. These typically require more education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree. It is not usually necessary to have a license to trade, because the trader doesn’t work directly with clients or execute trades on behalf of the company. The work requires a deeper understanding of the financial industry so the junior trader can make appropriate recommendations and understand specific practices at the company.
Transition to marketing can also happen with some junior trader jobs. Workers may find that they are better suited to developing advertising material and providing information about the company’s products and services. With their knowledge of trading and the company’s offerings, they can help develop communications for members of the public, investors, and other interested parties. This requires strong communication skills as well as a sense of aesthetics, what works in marketing, and what kinds of products the company should be developing to stay competitive.
Openings for junior trader jobs are often listed in financial publications as well as directly at the websites of major firms. They include a discussion of job requirements, which may involve education and experience, depending on the role. Applicants may need to pass through several interviews, and a background check is required in some cases because they deal with sensitive financial information. Interviewees may want to ask about the company’s commitment to helping traders advance, to determine whether there will be opportunities for professional development.
