I trade power. Whoever said you need experience ir right. Most companies want experienced people. I was lucky enough to get hired in an experimental group of 6 to become traders. They trained us. The experiment worked. I left them about 6 months ago. You should try to look for junior trader positions. In the next coming months, traders will be switching jobs and all that which means more open positions. Apply to every single junior trader position. ps.-msg me after summer, we also might hire newbies and train them to trade power in pjm,nepool,miso,nyiso regions.
If you want to get into trading Power working on a Real time desk will give you a great basis of understanding and teach you many of the necessary fundamentals to be successful. Working somewhere that owns generation enables you to learn how units are bid into markets, how they run, etc. All of the knowledge you pick up on a real time desk will be useful in your decision process when you start getting more technical in your positions. (financials, virtuals, physicals). Good luck.
While there isn't significant regular activity on it, check out this message board. The questions you're asking and the responses you've received have been discussed many times over there. http://p075.ezboard.com/energytraders/benergytraders In addition, as has been posted on that board, find other ways (i.e. contacting decision makers directly) to get your resume in front of these companies, applying via an HR website isn't likely to produce many results. Also, check these websites: http://www.powermarketers.com/pmajobs.htm http://www.energyjobsnetwork.com/home.asp?code=nesanet http://www.energycentraljobs.com/ In addition, due to the high demand for people in energy trading and risk management, some headhunters are even starting to be called on to recruit for entry level positions. Feel free to send me a PM
Thanks for posting those sites. They include a lot of good info. I have an interview coming up soon for an Hourly Trader slot.
Are you located in Houston? Power is very interesting. You won't be trading a lot on the hourly desk but you will learn the ins and outs of your region and you can take that with you if you try to become a day ahead trader.
Most guys need an MBA. Because you're going to be competing with guys who have MBAs ... and with the fallout on wallstreet, lots of 'em. Maybe a small mom & pop operation can give you an opportunity ... but it's an uphill battle. Edit: I see you've gotten some good replies from guys who are willing to help you out ... I'd follow'em up. As we all know, it ain't what you know ...
I do have a an MBA from Ball State University as well as an engineering BS from Purdue. I've been making a living as an engineer for several years but I was a physical grain trader for a couple of years in the late '80's.