Curious about what it's like to start your trading career with a Forest City Trading Group (FCTG) company? From internships that offer real-world exposure to full-fledged trading roles, FCTG companies provide all the support necessary for ambitious new traders to reach their full potential. Hear from four FCTG traders on what their journey has been like, from fresh recruit to seasoned trader.
So what exactly does a trader do? A commodity trader at FCTG engages in buying and selling various commodities, such as lumber, in a dynamic market environment.
Don’t know anything about trading? Neither did Emma Pretorius from Seaboard International Forest Products. She studied IT, and although she thought she would go into a computer science career after graduating, all that changed the first time she stepped foot on the trading floor.
Hayden Mater, trader with Richmond International Forest Products, got his foot in the door through FCTG’s internship program despite not yet having any trading experience. By the end, he realized FCTG was the perfect fit and accepted a full time position.
The career timeline of a FCTG trader is anything but vertical. New commodity traders are given all the tools they need to succeed and find themselves working side-by-side with seasoned veterans to gain insights that can only come from years in the field.
In addition to formal training, new recruits won’t have any trouble finding informal mentors to help them out along their journey. If you ask Charles Nwoye with Olympic Industries, he’ll tell you it’s all about coming into the job with an open mind—just prepare to embrace a dynamic environment every day.
New recruits have just as much of an opportunity to earn and build their book of business as any other trader. With no cap on commission, your success is truly in your own hands. But don’t worry—FCTG isn’t an all work and no play kind of company.
In an industry known for its demanding pace, the FCTG family also stands out for its commitment to ensuring employees have the time and space to enjoy life outside of work.
Here’s what Michael Fabiano from Southern Mississippi Trading had to say about the balance of work and play:
A career with one of FCTG’s family of companies begins with a recruitment process designed to identify candidates who are:
Aspiring traders at the college level often begin with an internship. Interns at FCTG are not sidelined to observe; they are immersed in the action, gaining insights into logistics, finance, operations, and more.
Training at FCTG is a multifaceted process that includes plenty of hands-on learning experiences. New recruits can expect to:
Recruits are not just passive recipients of information; they are active participants in learning the ins and outs of every facet of the industry. From booking deliveries to understanding credit, an excellent trader needs to understand how their trade happens inside and out, from start to finish.
As recruits transition from internships or enter the company through direct recruitment, they are paired with a mentor. Mentors at FCTG, often seasoned traders or senior team members, are deeply invested in the success of their mentees.
But mentorship isn’t limited to a formal arrangement. New recruits will find that anyone on the floor is happy to support their growth and development—all you need to do is ask.
Every trader at FCTG remembers their first trade. It’s a milestone that marks the true beginning of their career in commodities trading. For many recruits, this initial step was exhilarating, daunting, and unforgettable.
To take their skills to the next level, new recruits head off to Rookie School, a networking and learning event that brings together all the skills and knowledge acquired so far. This event is an opportunity to share experiences, learn from guest speakers, and prepare for the next steps in their trading careers.
Feeling inspired to explore a career in commodities trading? The path at FCTG companies is clear and filled with opportunities for success. When you join FCTG, you’re saying goodbye to short-term jobs that only last a few years before you’re ready to move on. That’s because this isn’t just another job—it’s a lifelong career. Explore open positions with the FCTG family today.
We’re ready to get to work for your business. Let’s discuss your specific needs and how we can help.