Stock market trader - what course?

empirix

Hey,

I was wondering what course would one study in college to allow them get a job with a company doing stock market trading etc

Business studies?

David19

Any degree would do as they usually train you after you're hired. A numerate degree would be best though e.g maths, physics, computer science, engineering, economics.

damnyanks

"Stock market" trading isn't very numerate and isn't very profitable (For big IB's at least). They make there money from more complex products. If you want to keep your options open do something like financial engineering / financial maths.

Guessing something like BESS / commerce would be the best bet in dublin.

eth0_

I thought BESS was a load of fluff?
Pure economics would be better.

damnyanks

No idea, but from what I remember (few years ago) Bess was the business schools undergrad? Economics is more useful if you want to go into research.

Running Bing

eth0_ wrote:

I thought BESS was a load of fluff?
Pure economics would be better.

Why do you think that? Its practically the same as pure economics. The last two years are identical. Theres no particular course you can do to prepare you to become a trader. Most have physics or maths degrees though. But economics would also be a good choice. Its the skills that are learned on these courses rather than the material as most of the stuff youll learn youll never use again. Thats why maths and physics degrees are more popular than economics, the more numerate the degree the better. But pick something you will enjoy doing. Youd be amazed how much colleges changes you and the direction you wanna take.

justfortherecor

Taking a postgrad in Accounting (e.g. MSc) would do you no harm as well. An expert knowledge of accounting legislation and methods would give you a pretty good knowledge and understanding of the financial structure of a company. Then again, this is more on the research side.

Trading? Good numerical and analytical skills and also an ability to act under extreme pressure and be compellingly persuasive in your arguments. Not too many courses can offer lessons on the latter 2 qualities.

dubrov

I thinky you should certainly avoid accounting unless you wanted to become a business analyst or even stock broker. Most firms look for a solid mathematical background (statistics would be a benefit) and even more importantly a logical thinker. Economics, although a help is not hugely important for employers as many will look to take on trainees and build market knowledge through experience.

Pythia

The course I'm doing, Economics and Finance in UCD is supposedly a good one to do if you're interested in stock markets etc.

Hitchhiker's Guide to...

The best course is meant to be the Masters in Investment and Treasury Management in DCU.

A lot of finance companies recruit people directly from this course.

Otherwise - either pure economics or maths are best.