A job as a Commodity Analyst falls under the broader career category of Financial Analysts. Commodities and Financial Analysts conduct quantitative analysis 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
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
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