A commodities sales agent works on the stock market, trading commodities and securities. Commodities sales agents work closely with their clients, analyzing the market and seeking prospective deals for their securities. This involves building a solid network of contacts with other traders and powerful players on the market in general, in order to be able to attract clients more efficiently. A commodities sales agent usually handles the transactions of securities entirely, from preparing the paperwork to closing the final deal itself.
To become a commodities sales agent, a candidate would normally have to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in finances, economics, or a similar subject. Accounting is also an acceptable degree, though not as popular lately due to some shifts in the market. Many companies choose their prospective commodities sales agents in universities and hire them initially on an internship basis, with the goal of training them for full-time employment upon their graduation. In some jurisdictions, commodities sales agents are required to obtain various additional certificates to be eligible for employment.
A commodities sales agent’s salary is dictated mainly by their performance. At the lower end of the pay scale, commodities sales agents earn around $30,000 – $33,000 annually, while some of the better-compensated ones receive salaries of around $80,000 – $90,000 a year. Experience doesn’t contribute to the salary directly, in the sense that it provides opportunity for the sales agent to perform better at their job (and thus earn more), but it does not increase their salary by itself.