What job allows you to trade futures?

I've recently become interested in finance and heard about trading futures. I'm wondering if there's a specific role or career path I should look into if I want to trade futures professionally.

If you're interested in trading futures professionally, there are several career paths that may interest you.

One such option would be becoming a Futures Trader. In this role, you would be directly responsible for buying and selling futures contracts, typically for a financial company. Traders often work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and have to make quick decisions.

Another path would be a Financial Analyst working in investment banking or a hedge fund that deals with futures. They study economic trends, company financial statements, and commodities markets to guide trading decisions and strategies.

Financial Advisors or Portfolio Managers who work with individual clients or manage a portfolio for a company or mutual fund can also trade futures as part of their work. They use futures as a part of diversified portfolio strategies.

Finally, consider roles in Commodity Trading Firms, especially those focusing on futures. These firms often handle trades in commodities like oil, grains, or metals, which are common subjects of futures contracts.

It's crucial to remember that these roles generally require strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of financial markets, and often specific licenses or certifications. For example, careers in futures trading commonly require the Series 3 license from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and a relevant bachelor's degree, such as economics or finance, would typically be the minimum education requirement.

You might want to look into internships or entry-level finance roles that provide exposure to futures trading to get a feel for the work and further build your knowledge and skills. Taking relevant financial courses, such as those about derivatives and commodities markets, can also be beneficial.