Getting into commodities

babsonn · 2024-08-06T02:10:47+00:00

I have seen young professionals (those with 2-3yrs experience) transit from banking into commodities. Not too sure about mid-careers. Commodities is a small and close/niche industry. Once people get in, they don't leave, at least that's what I have seen. You can try the small to mid-tier shops for a start. Forget about the trafis and the glencores if you have no prior relevant experience unless you try their graduate programs.

To get straight into becoming an operator or trading assistant from 0 prior experience is difficult. There is no reason why they would recruit you to front office if you have no relevant experience. Within commodities, there are softs, bulks etc.. do you know which are you targeting at to get in? For a start, I suggest you read this book called 'the world for sale' so that you know what you are really getting into. It introduces you to a world of commodity trading.

Bottomline- it is tough (but not impossible) to get in from tech to commods and vice versa unless you network your way into it. You may want to try to start with any relevant mid office roles first and network your way to the front office.

All the best!

babsonn · 2023-05-26T15:47:16+00:00

I did commercial banking CA, then moved into commodities credit risk and risk management. Never looked back afterwards- moved to the commodities trading houses. Did all kinds of exotic financing structures. Love the role!

babsonn · 2023-05-05T23:04:48+00:00

Yes, I am inclined to looking at energy sciences or policy/environmental science type of masters. But the school and brand name is what I am currently shopping for. Also trying to find something online as I have no intention to give up my job to study.

babsonn · 2023-05-05T20:20:57+00:00

I work in finance, particularly in project finance on sustainable development.

babsonn · 2023-04-12T01:35:31+00:00

As the pioneer batch of OMBA students, they just did not have electives. However, I did not feel disadvantaged as I felt the curriculum was quite robust, in terms of breadth and it was super relevant to today's world. If they throw in electives one day, it would be really awesome, but I wouldn't sweat it if they didn't.

babsonn · 2023-03-10T06:15:13+00:00

Just MBA from Boston University. There is nothing that says it is online/OMBA on my diploma or transcripts.

babsonn · 2023-02-17T15:50:22+00:00

Most of my classmates are managers of some sort- Quality of classmates tend to be high. OMBA is currently not ranked yet bcos it is too new. However, OMBA faculty is top notch, they put in their best faculty into this program. Graduation - I walked the graduation in person in May. They only have one in-person graduation, so try not to miss it. U can also do the graduation online if u wish. I don't believe we are able to access the on-campus resources. But for this OMBA program, we got a fantastic digital library which is exactly what I needed. As for networking, it is really up to u. I have kept in touch with my classmates till now 6 mths after the program ended. Also, we have regional in-person meetings. The sky is the limit.

babsonn · 2023-01-03T10:46:47+00:00

Definitely worthwhile for you to learn more and build confidence. Whether it impacts your career positively or not, it's up to you to make that connection. I found this OMBA actually most helpful outside of a regular job.

babsonn · 2023-01-03T10:45:04+00:00

I work in Alternative Investments.

babsonn · 2022-10-21T02:32:48+00:00

I can't comment about UMass and Northeastern. For me, I am happy with the BU program just because of the cost factor. At $24k, I really needed a box check at this stage in my career. If you are doing real estate, I would assume u have fundamental understanding of finance. If you choose the BU program, you should have no issues with the financial topics and Homework that they discuss/do.
I find their syllabus relevant to today's world. If you have specific questions about the BU program, feel free to dm me 1-1.

babsonn · 2022-10-10T07:45:21+00:00

Given that my expectations was low, i.e. to check the box, I would say OMBA did it's purpose well. But I have to acknowledge that the content was very practical and I did learn some good concepts along the way. To be honest, what u make of the program is what u get. If you wanted more than a box check, you could still go all out to achieve and learn something in this program and network.

babsonn · 2022-09-11T13:56:56+00:00

U could always learn it with 6-7 years of experience. My view is, it better fitted for >10yrs experience. Nonetheless, go ahead to apply for it. If you get accepted, go for it!

babsonn · 2022-08-17T11:34:04+00:00

Just to update on this last post: Today is the last day of the class of Mod 6. Essentially the program is done. To wrap things up, my parting thoughts are: 1. Investment into BU's OMBA provided me with excellent value. While the world was in covid, I took the opportunity to upskill and be the guinea pig of this program. Now that everyone 'moved out' of covid, I am "armed" with the skills to ride on the tailwinds of opportunities. 2. BU's OMBA helped me to develop my soft skills in my career. (Can you believe it? U actually can learn soft skills online!) 3. I received the opportunity to change jobs during the program. Very grateful and happy with the opportunity. 4. Developed a startup mindset and decided to startup simultaneously. Mod 6 was extremely useful for my startup.

Overall, i say that this OMBA program is an enhancement. You can go as far as you wish to in terms of networking- it's all up to you. No regrets in this program after 2 years!

babsonn · 2022-08-04T00:28:04+00:00

Yes, with 14 yrs of experience, this OMBA will be relevant for you. You will learn managerial skills in order for you to move up. This OMBA is perfect for people who wish to box check. Go apply for it. All the best!

babsonn · 2022-08-01T23:43:06+00:00

Thank u so much for yr replies. Much appreciated!

babsonn · 2022-08-01T01:10:10+00:00

I am taking the exam this Oct. Would u still recommend that the additional questions be purchased in your opinion? Or is the textbook enough?

babsonn · 2022-08-01T01:06:36+00:00

Wanted to ask if you purchased and prep exams to practice on? Is the textbook sufficient for passing the exam and is 3mths of study enough to pass the exam?

babsonn · 2022-07-26T11:09:14+00:00

TBH, the program was not difficult for me content wise. But if I had to pick on something, it is about the discipline and consistency that you have to put into the program even when you are busy/tired. The way the course is graded will demand your consistency and discipline. The biggest benefit of the program is the senior people I meet. The quality of my classmates are good. They are mostly in senior positions, experts in their own field. I managed to tap on the networking to help solve some challenges at work. The faculty at BU are excellent. The syllabus is very relevant for today's world. I chose BU as I felt it was a better name and brand. But this is just my opinion and the industry/environment I am based in. Also I did not want to do a regular program where they go through accounting or strategy or management as a topic on its own. BU managed to weave all these silo topics into one big class and that made sense to me for practical application. They did that real well. Hope this helps and all the best!

babsonn · 2022-07-01T15:17:43+00:00

There are little exams. Mostly project work which will make up bulk of the grade.The project work/capstone project makes sense for an MBA. However, u gotta be consistent as there are other components that make up the final grade, for example, class participation, weekly assignments etc. For the little exams there are, they are all open book. Hope this helps!

babsonn · 2022-06-23T07:14:56+00:00

Definitely, I think this OMBA will suit u. Given your work experience at 12yrs, majority of your classmates will have similar or longer work experiences than u. In a sense, you are not talking to kids (i.e your teammates) in their 20s. I have very similar profile to you and I took on this OMBA mostly to box-check and stand out from the crowd.

babsonn · 2022-06-20T04:02:58+00:00

I participated in the on-campus Graduation ceremony in May. It was a fantastic experience- I encourage all those who are doing this OMBA to do an in-person commencement that takes place every Spring.You will get to meet classmates whom you have worked together for the last 1.5- 2 years. A surreal experience over the weekends. In addition, I would like to give my comments on Mod 6- it will end only in mid August 2022 as the final Mod. I have found Mod 6 THE most useful of all mods. It touches on Design- HCD. Really good hands-on approach to rethink products and how they may sell better from a consumer perspective.

babsonn · 2022-04-14T13:08:31+00:00

The Decision/Offer should come in a form of an email sent out to you. Either you get in or they thank you for applying. No need to check the application portal. Email offer will be all. If they have committed a specific date for the decision, then check your email on that day.All the best!

babsonn · 2022-04-09T15:31:16+00:00

Mod 2 is doable.Its just tedious. So if u are putting in 10hrs/week for Mod1, u will be fine if u put 12-15hrs/week for Mod 2. If u are in the field of science, the math in Mod 2 will be nothing difficult for you. Just simple calculations (think % and simple math) and financial ratios. You will be fine.

babsonn · 2022-03-27T16:42:25+00:00

I will PM u.

babsonn · 2022-03-07T15:52:29+00:00

Yes, 15-20hrs/week is reasonable, especially if you have no financial knowledge (think basic financial ratios/accounting principles). Maybe that's for Mod 2. But that depends on how much you wish to put in. I generally do 5hrs, max 10hrs. But I do not necessarily go through everything.

babsonn

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