Stock Trader

A stock trader buys and sells stocks, which represent equity in businesses, on behalf of investors and the firm that employs him or her. We often see traders in movies frantically yelling out buy and sell orders on the crowded and noisy floor of a stock exchange, like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). That is not how it works these days.

Only a small number of traders still do auction-style trades on the floor of an exchange. Most spend their days in offices, trading stocks electronically. They spend their days in front of a computer screen.

Quick Facts for Stock Traders

• Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents, including stock traders, earn a median annual salary of $67,310 (2016).^*
• About 376,000 people work in this field (2016).^*
• Securities and investment firms employ most of them.
• This occupation has a good job outlook, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment is projected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026.

*The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports salary and employment data for Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents in general, rather than specifically for stock traders

Job Duties

These are some typical job duties employers listed in online ads for stock trader positions on Indeed.com:

• "Execute purchases and sales of investment products in a timely and efficient manner"
• "Research and resolve issues in trading area"
• "Create new market making strategies for electronically traded products"
• "Provide clients with general information and help with their brokerage accounts"
• "Maintain and document activity"
• "Build quality relationships with industry participants"

How to Become a Stock Trader

To work in this occupation you typically need a bachelor's degree. Make sure to take courses in business, finance, accounting and economics. You will probably receive on-the-job training from the company that hires you.

Anyone who wants to sell stocks or other securities must take and pass a test called the Series 7 or, more formally, the General Securities Representative Examination. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FIRA) administers this six hour exam. Many employers help their traders prepare for the Series 7.

What Soft Skills Do You Need to Succeed in This Career?

In addition to a degree and on-the-job training, you must have an aptitude for math to be a stock trader. You also need the following soft skills, or personal qualities:

• Listening Skills: As a stock trader, you will have to listen carefully to what your clients tell you. Making a mistake because you weren't paying attention can be extremely costly.
• Verbal Communication Skills: Your clients will have to make important decisions based on the information you provide.
• Decision-Making Skills: You must be able to think on your feet and make decision swiftly.
• Critical Thinking: Because the consequences of your decisions can be great, it is essential that you weigh all your choices carefully before choosing the best one.
• Customer Service Skills: Your clients must feel comfortable with you.

What Will Employers Expect From You?

Here are some requirements in job announcements on Indeed.com:

• "Possess a strong work ethic and be able to learn quickly in a fast paced, high pressure environment"
• "Great attention to detail"
• "Aggressive, self-motivated individual who functions well in a team environment"
• "Adaptable, willing to learn, and passionate"
• "Maintain composure and communicate clearly when under pressure"
• "Excel proficient"

Is This Occupation a Good Fit for You?

It is important to consider your interests, personality type, and work-related values when choosing a career. This occupation could be a good fit if you have the following traits:

• Interests (Holland Code) : ECS (Enterprising, Conventional, Social)
• Personality Type (MBTI Personality Types): ENTJ, ESTJ, ISTJ, ESTP
• Work-Related Values: Achievement, Independence, Working Conditions

Occupations With Related Tasks and Activities

Title	Description	Annual Salary (2016)	Educational Requirements
Real Estate Sales Agent	Helps clients buy and sell properties	$44,090	High school diploma, real estate classes and a license
Sales Representative	Sells products on behalf of wholesalers or manufacturers	$78,980 (technical & scientific products) $57,140 (all other products)	Minimum of a high school diploma but many employers prefer to hire job candidates who have a bachelor's degree
Insurance Agent	Assists clients with the purchase of all types of insurance	$49,990	Employers prefer to hire agents who have a bachelor's degree but will consider a high school graduate with proven sales ability
Sales Engineers	Sells complex scientific and technical products to companies	$100,000	Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,  Occupational Outlook Handbook; Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,  O*NET Online (visited February 20, 2018).