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Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms, or provide financial services to businesses and individuals. May advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, and market conditions.

What you’d do

  • Make bids or offers to buy or sell securities.
  • Monitor markets or positions.
  • Agree on buying or selling prices at optimal levels for clients.
  • Keep accurate records of transactions.
  • Buy or sell stocks, bonds, commodity futures, foreign currencies, or other securities on behalf of investment dealers.
  • Complete sales order tickets and submit for processing of client-requested transactions.
  • Report all positions or trading results.
  • Interview clients to determine clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, or financial objectives.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Monitoring
  • Active Learning
  • Persuasion

How to get there

Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

Also called

  • Broker
  • Equity Trader
  • Financial Advisor
  • Financial Consultant
  • Commodities Broker
  • Investment Representative

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