u/bushpisser

Is contracts analyst worth the career pivot?
(TLDR; Currently back office at BB, potential chance to pivot to big firm (Gunvor/Vitol/Traf. worth?)

I am a recent fresh graduate currently working in a back office role in a bulge bracket bank. While it pays relatively well, I have found it to be really boring and mundane.

I have always been keen to pivot to commodities but coming from a non target relatively unknown university, graduate programmes are out of the equation.

I have been interviewing at a large independent trading firm for a contracts analyst role. will be taking a pay cut but I am willing to take it if this seat provides me with opportunities for potential upward mobility.

Would you guys happen to know if this role is a good starting ground assuming all goes well?

Ultimately I would like to end up in front office, potentially trading but ofc I know its competitive.

Any advice / knowledge relating would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Hi recent private U grad here - been working for just over 1 year in my current role (Back office, markets, foreign bank). Took this role right after grad bc pay was alright and was not getting FO offers or even interviews within banks. Earning 5.8 k/mth before cpf.

Previous Internship experience: 2x FO markets, within tier 2 banks, 1x FO PB local.

Q dislike this role. Hours are okay but I dont feel challenged and it feels very mundane. 8-6, colleagues are ok-ok, no wfh but no obligation to work after office. Hardly OT.

Have always wanted to be in FO Markets / Commodities but am not getting any opportunities despite prev internships in FO. I suspect it is bc i came from Private uni (though I am First class if that even matters)

Networking is tough as I am in a different building from the traders and have little opportunity to talk to them as the VPs would usually talk to them.

Am curious to hear if anybody has known/heard of people in this situation and keen to take any advice.

1. Should I do a Masters?
2. Concerns: may not really help.

b) MSC Finance in LSE (I got a conditional offer before i graduated but didnt take it as I really could not afford it.)
Concerns: Cost. I def know LSE is an insanely good school but i just cant afford it. If i work another year I will have enough saved but need to worry about BTO etc. Est. about $120k sgd all in

2. Should I do a CFA?

3. Should I apply as an intern?