Path to Becoming a Stock Trader?

I'm interested in becoming a stock trader after high school. What should I focus on if I want to land a job in this field? Are there specific skills or courses I should be aware of?

Firstly, it's pivotal to gain a strong understanding of finance, economics, and mathematics to work in the trading field. Courses to consider in high school include Calculus, Statistics, Economics, and any business-related courses if available. Work to excel academically because many firms and brokerages require traders to hold at least a bachelor's degree.

For college, you'll want to look at universities with reputable undergraduate business programs, particularly those with strong concentrations or majors in finance, economics, or even financial engineering. Relevant courses at the college level include corporate finance, investment analysis, derivatives, financial markets, and econometrics. Mathematics and data analysis skills are crucial in this role, so aside from your finance classes, consider taking extra classes in statistics and computer science.

Externally, you can start self-studying the stock market. There are plenty of free educational resources online, and you might even consider opening a paper trading account. This will allow you to invest pretend money into real stocks and monitor your performance over time.

Securing internships in the finance industry while in college can also provide practical experience and industry connections that might prove invaluable. Look for internships in financial services companies, brokerage firms, or asset management firms.

Moreover, you may need to earn a series of certifications before being allowed to trade. Once you have obtained your first trading job, you will be eligible to earn the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) licenses, such as the Series 7 General Securities Representative Qualification Examination, which allows you to trade.

Always remember, that becoming a successful trader often requires a willingness to take calculated risks combined with an in-depth understanding of money markets, economics, and accounting. It may be ideal for you to start practicing these skills and gain a deeper understanding early on. Good luck!