Foreign Exchange Trader
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales AgentsFrom this site of the U.S. Department of Labor, you can gather some basic information on what it’s like to be a securities and commodities exchange broker and also find details on wages and related occupations. Reading the work description might help you decide if this industry is right for you. Related occupations and sources of additional information on the industry are available from this site.
Princeton Review: Foreign Exchange TraderThe Princeton Review offers a comprehensive site on what it’s like to be a foreign exchange trader, including education, licensing, and facts and figures about the profession. Log in to this page to find out about college majors you might consider, or look into internships or graduate programs in finance.
Occupational Titles
Foreign Exchange Trader
Commodity Broker
Floor Broker
Inside Sales Agent
Securities Adviser
Securities Salespeople
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent
Stock Speculator
Stock Trader
Trader
Trading Specialist
Accredited Academic Programs
Princeton Review: College Majors, Foreign Exchange TraderEven though it’s not required that you have a college degree to become a foreign exchange trader, most of these professionals do. Log in to look at this list of possible majors, including foriegn languages and international business, and choose something that interests you. After you make a selection, you’ll be taken to a list of colleges that offer that major. Make another choice, and find out the specifics of the academic program you may be thinking about.
Start Here, Go Places: Top Business SchoolsThis site is very valuable if you are looking for top business schools in the U.S. Access business school programs by major or connect to information on useful high school coursework to consider and several majors that are valuable for a career in finance or foreign exchange trading.
Salary Levels
PayScale: Foreign Exchange TraderHere, you’ll find a chart which shows the median annual salary of a foreign exchange trader across the U.S. Scroll further down the page, and you’ll see the same information presented a little bit differently—that is, the median salary is shown according to the type of employer you work for, or according to the city you are employed in. If you want to know even more about your potential salary as a stockbroker, click on more salary charts, including the salary you might earn according to your gender, the industry you’re in, the school you graduated from, or even your employer’s name.
Professional Organizations
Financial Industry Regulatory AuthorityThis organization emphasizes stockbroker guidance and responsibility and provides you with information on dealing with your clients and the regulations you must adhere to. Educational programs, online learning, and the most important issues facing firms and brokers are presented.
Foreign Exchange CommitteeQuick links from this page include guidelines for foreign exchange trading activities, management of operational risk, new archives, public policy issues, and other departments to help you understand this business better.
Global Association of Risk ProfessionalsLearn what it takes to be a financial risk professional and access any one of the many interesting departments offered to you. Find details on examination for a financial risk manager, advanced training opportunities, research opportunities, and the ability to connect to the community, events, and careers in the field.
International Monetary FundFind out what this organization does—from surveillance of economic developments to economic research. The Fund works to strengthen the international financial system through support and education to member countries and also hope to tackle money laundering and other crimes of international significance. Access global and regional stories, as well as international reports, learn about poverty and debt reduction, and the research and statistical information provided by the Fund.
Securities Industry and Financial Markets AssociationThis organization represents member brokerage firms across the U.S. and worldwide. It provides educational resources to professionals and provides information on asset management.
Licensing & Certification
Financial Industry Regulatory AuthorityCertification for registered representatives and securities industry professionals is found at this page of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. State certification may be required, and this is the site that will lead you to details on testing, training, roles, and responsibilities.
Global Association of Risk Professionals: CertificationsLearn about certifications in global exchange, including a certificate in energy risk management, banking and risk regulation, and a certificate in risk management regarding Islamic financial institutions. Details of each of these specialties are presented, including material covered in the exams and prep tools.
Job Opportunity Sources
FX Week: Career CentreThis financial career center lets you browse jobs according to your topic of interest, including foreign exchange and money markets. Click on your interest, and search within your results by keyword, country, and region. An advanced search tool in included if you need more specific results.
Global Association of Risk ProfessionalsThe Job Seekers section of this page will lead you to a free registration process, a resume posting site, and tools for creating your own online job agent.
Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association Career CenterPost an anonymous resume here, and access the newest jobs available in the financial industry here. Create your own personal job alert and job seeker accounts to manage everything from resumes to job offers.
Wall Street Journal: Career JournalFind a job by keyword, state, or city at this site, after a free registration process. Your account will lead you to online resume management tools, the ability to create and store cover letters and resumes, and a personal job agent to keep track of your job search.
Publications
FX Week: Career CentreThe global business of foreign exchange is explored at this publication, with lead stories and a free trial for visitors. You will find an exclusive newsletter here for professionals working in banks, brokerages, and other institutions that examines the latest currency forecasts and provides accurate analysis and commentary of the industry.
International Reports.netDivided by region, these stories are prepared exclusively by The Washington Times to deliver a comprehensive Internet site on global relations and financial issues. Headlines for major countries and regions are included, as well as links to embassies, international trade, the U.N., World Financial, and related organizations and foreign relations programs.
Wall Street JournalLeading business financial news is provided at the Wall Street Journal online edition, where you will find U.S. business news, as well as news from around the globe. Departments at the site include world news, news by industry, and highlights of the day. My Online Journal offers you the opportunity to customize the site to your personal interests, or find a host of market tools, a classifieds listings, and multimedia online extras that are important to be familiar with as a foreign exchange trader.
Online Forums & Blogs
BlogUniverse: Financial BlogsFinancial news and planning are the focus of this collection of blogs, including close to 200 links. You can look at this list alphabetically or sort the discussions by popularity.
Wall Street Journal BlogsThere are so many blogs to choose from at this page, including market news and analysis, real-time economics, headlines in different markets, and postings about the environment, wealth, and business technology. If you are interested in becoming a foreign exchange trader, you might find an interesting current or archived discussion.
Career Videos
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales AgentsLearn about the different types of products handles by these professionals and the challenge in helping clients set financial goals. You will find out about the legal responsibilities of this job, the importance of a college education, and personal qualities needed.
