Commodities Brokers

Employers

Approximately 482,200 securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents (a group that includes commodities brokers) are employed in the United States. Commodities brokers work on the floor of a commodity futures exchange, for brokerage houses, or independently.

Starting Out

College graduates can start working with a brokerage house as an associate or clerk and begin handling stocks. After several years they can take the certification exam and move into futures. Another option is to start as support staff, either at the exchange or the brokerage house. Sales personnel try to get customers to open accounts, and account executives develop and service customers for the brokerage firm. Working in the back as an accountant, money manager, or member of the research staff is also another route. College career services offices may be able to assist graduates in finding jobs with brokerage houses. Applications may also be made directly to brokerage houses.