Degree Help

Hi,

I am currently a first year doing a geography degree at a Russell group uni and hope to become a trader, what are the chances of me still making it. I know that economics/maths is preferred for this specific career route and I do have Maths A level in which I got an A and Economics A level in which another A.

Do you guys think it would be best to switch to another degree?

Thanks a lot

fela900 said:

Hi,

I am currently a first year doing a geography degree at a Russell group uni and hope to become a trader, what are the chances of me still making it. I know that economics/maths is preferred for this specific career route and I do have Maths A level in which I got an A and Economics A level in which another A.

Do you guys think it would be best to switch to another degree?

Thanks a lot

Click to expand...

Hi fela900,
Welcome to T2W.

From the way you've phrased your question, I'm guessing you're asking what your chances are of getting a paid job as a trader with an investment bank or hedge fund etc? Going straight from Uni into this environment is increasingly difficult and I would think your chances of breaking into this arena with a geography degree is - at best - extremely slim. Switching degrees to maths and economics might improve your chances but, even then, unless you get a double first from somewhere like Oxford, you're application is unlikely to get beyond the latest intern in the HR department.

It's only fair to point out that I don't work in the industry and never have. The comments above are based on the replies posted by city pros over many years to the numerous people who've joined T2W in the past and asked the same question.

The good news is that if you are happy to be a 'retail' trader working alone trading your own account, then all you need do is to make the decision to do it. Job done! Keep in mind though, making that decision is just the first step, there's a mountain to climb to become a consistently profitable trader.

There is a sort of half way house between these two extremes which is to become a trader with a proprietary firm. There are lots of them, some good and quite a few not so good. Only you can decide which route is best for you. For a more in-depth look at these options, check out this FAQ: How Do I get a Job Trading?

Lastly, allow me to offer one piece of advice if I may. If you're enjoying the geography course and the career options at the end of it don't depress you - then stick with it. Jumping ship on the off chance you'll enjoy maths, economics, computer science or physics (or whatever) more and get a job as a trader at the end of it is a mighty big gamble. That said, if it's your dream and you're determined to pursue it come what may, then go for it.

Good luck.
Tim.

I don't think a degree is any use and no degree would actually help you to be a successful trader. Even finance related professors wouldn't be stuck in a relatively low paid job if they could be making money as a trader.

As timsk said, if you really want to be a trader, get yourself an account and start trading! The fact is that a very, very small percentage ever become steady, profitable traders and it has more to do with your subconscious belief systems and lack of subconscious self destruct emotions that any intellectual knowledge.

I believe most employed traders make a loss and their companies make their profits on client commissions! Anyone who really has what it takes to be a trader won't want to be a 9 to 5 slave and will more likely be trading from a nice house overlooking the sea in a warm country...