You Want to Be a Lumber Trader? Career Tips from Our President

At AIFP, our traders come to us from a variety of different backgrounds. Some come to AIFP with years of experience as a trader. Others come to AIFP just following graduation. These recent grads show entrepreneurial promise and impressive drive. For traders with no prior experience, they undergo our Trader Development Program, a 2-year training and paid apprenticeship.

When we recruit for new rookie traders, our team travels to career fairs across Oregon, including University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Portland State University. Our own AIFP President, John Vranizan, gives talks at universities about how to launch your first career. He offers open interviews at career fairs and facilitates job shadowing opportunities for promising candidates.

With all that said, John is an expert in knowing what it takes to be a successful trader and what it takes to land your first job out of college. In this edition of the AIFP blog, let’s hear some of his tips and wisdom.

What It Takes to Be a Successful Trader

If you’re an aspiring commodity trader, you’re probably thinking, Do I have what it takes to succeed? According to John, to be successful in the commodity trading industry, you must possess an inner drive and competitive spirit. The most successful traders are those who love to compete and avoid complacency. In addition to this inner drive and competitive spirit, passion for the trade fuels the success of our most ambitious traders here at AIFP.

What Does AIFP Look for in a Potential Trader?

When recruiting, John really looks for a background of competition, achievement, and overcoming adversity. Applicants with a gift for developing rapport and networking have a natural advantage in trading.

How Can I Prepare for a Career in Trading?

The best way to prepare for launching a career in trading is through gaining practical work experience. You must be able to show that you’re adept at interacting with others in a workplace setting. Whether that practical work experience is through internships, volunteerism, or student organizations, you want to be able to show that you’re a team player with grit and a strong work ethic.

Words of Advice

When speaking to John, we asked him what kind of advice he’d give to someone interested in entering the trading industry. Here’s what he said:

- Do your research. Before interviewing, research each company you’re going to meet with.

- Be confident. Know what excites you about the job. Understand that company’s culture and values—and see if they’re aligned with your own.

Following Up

For updates on when we’ll be visiting our next career fairs, or when you’d have the chance to hear AIFP President John Vranizan give a talk about launching your first career, please follow us on social media. We post these types of upcoming events on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. If you’d like to learn more about the Trader Development Program, check out the blog we wrote about this 2-year long paid apprenticeship. Still have questions or want to set up a time to talk? Reach out to us.