Grain Merchants

Students should obtain as much experience in the field as possible by participating in summer internships or co-ops. Some grain merchants enter the field after first obtaining experience as grain elevator workers or commodities exchange clerks.

In order to be successful, you must have an excellent rapport with farmers and other suppliers. This relationship determines whether you'll be able to get a good price on the grain, favorable payment terms, quick delivery on emergency orders, or help in obtaining the grain during times of scarcity. To negotiate these and other conditions, you must have good communications skills, be able to work effectively with others, and handle high-pressure situations. You must be persuasive, diplomatic, and cooperative. As with most business jobs, one gets ahead with initiative, dependability, good judgment, and trustworthiness.