A job as a Commodity Analyst falls under the broader career category of Financial Analysts . Commodities and Financial Analysts conduct quantitative analyses of information affecting investment programs of public or private institutions.
The typical duties of a Commodities Analyst are: to draw charts and graphs, using computer spreadsheets, to illustrate technical reports; Monitor fundamental economic, industrial and corporate developments by analyzing information from financial publications; Prepare plans of action for investment using financial analysis; Evaluate and compare the relative quality of various securities in a given industry; Determine prices at which securities should be syndicated and offered to the public.
Sample Companies:
CPM Group
Louis Dreyfus Group
Advanced Energy
Citadel
Salary:
The median salary for Commodities Analysts is approximately $72,500. These positions range from $50,000 for entry level to about $100,000 on the higher end.
How to get there:
The majors closely related to this field are Accounting, Business, Accounting and Finance, Statistics, and Economics. A bachelor’s degree is a must, though some require a master’s degree in finance or a MBA. To become and Commodities Analyst it is also necessary to have knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data. Knowledge of laws, legal codes, government regulations, precedents, and agency rules is also extremely useful.
Important Qualities:
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical thinking
- Good writing and speaking skills
- Complex problem Solving
- Systems and operations analysis and evaluation
- Negotiation
- Leadership skills
Advancement:
Advancement for Financial Analysts involves moving to positions where they are responsible for more important or larger products. Other forms of advancement can include supervising teams of financial analyst, becoming portfolio managers, fund managers, or directing investment portfolios for different funds and companies.
Relevant Classes:
- Composition I and Advanced Composition/Writing
- CMN 101- Public Speaking
- CMN 211- Business Communication
- ECON 460- Financial Economics
- ECON 471- Intro to Applied Econometrics
Relevant Clubs & Organizations:
- Illini Statistics (Statistics Club)
- Economics Club
- Economics Ambassadors
- Finance Club
- Accounting Club
Sources:
http://www.mymajors.com/career/commodity-analyst/salary/
http://www.simplyhired.com/search?q=commodity+analyst&l=IL
http://www.campusexplorer.com/careers/F16D0CE5/financial-analysts/
https://www.linkedin.com/salary/commodity-analyst-salaries-in-united-states