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How Do I Become a Currency Trader?

D. Nelson
D. Nelson

Currency trading is the practice of trading world currencies to profit from differences in exchange rates. This kind of investment is practiced by large financial institutions, such as banks, and individuals who use software and online resources to trade from their own homes. Many experts consider currency trading the largest market on the planet. To become a currency trader, it can be helpful to get an educational background in foreign exchange. It also is a good idea to decide if you need a degree for the career you wish to pursue.

Even an individual who has experience trading in other markets may find that he or she needs to get a more specialized education to become a currency trader. Individuals who are interested in working at financial firms, banks, or hedge funds can benefit from earning an undergraduate or master's degree in a field such as economics. Employers in more competitive job markets may primarily hire applicants who have graduate level financial training.

A currency trader researches and analyzes financial markets and other factors to forecast exchange rates and currency movements.
A currency trader researches and analyzes financial markets and other factors to forecast exchange rates and currency movements.

If you would like to become a currency trader who operates independently out of your home, an academic program in financial markets certainly can be valuable. Many individuals, however, choose to educate themselves since this method often is less costly. These aspiring traders utilize informational books and websites to learn important principles and terminology. Many choose to access online tutorials.

A student who wants to become a currency trader for a firm or institution should compose a cover letter and resume. A cover letter often serves as a potential employer's introduction to an applicant. This document also can include information regarding how an applicant found out about a position and why he or she is good for the job. A resume often includes contact information and a list of education and work experiences. Skills acquired and used are listed under each corresponding instance of experience.

Individuals who would like to work independently may first want to find a broker. This is a professional who assists in the buying and selling of currency. A good resource for finding a broker is a colleague recommendation.

Access to trading software may be necessary to become a currency trader. These programs allow users to monitor markets in real time. A user also may develop and test trading strategies based on observed market behaviors. Many kinds of software allow currency trader's instant access to brokers since exchange rates can rise and fall in a matter of minutes.

Discussion Comments

Mykol

There are many different programs and courses available, but a high quality, up to date currency trading software is essential to be a successful currency trader. You simply cannot keep track of everything you need to manually without the help of a good software program.

I find it hard to imagine how people used to trade without the internet and our access to real time market data. I remember when actual stock certificates were issued with most trades. Trading in today's market is so much different than the buy and hold strategy that was so commonly practiced years ago.

myharley

I did not know that currency trading was the largest market on the planet. If I was interested in becoming a currency trader, I don't think I would feel confident just enrolling in an online tutorial to receive the necessary education and experience. It sounds like experience is just as important as education in being a successful currency trader.

I can see how having a degree in finance or economics would be really helpful. It does sound like a fascinating job that would be fast paced and never boring with how quickly the market moves and changes every day.

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    • A currency trader researches and analyzes financial markets and other factors to forecast exchange rates and currency movements.
      By: Vlad Ivantcov
      A currency trader researches and analyzes financial markets and other factors to forecast exchange rates and currency movements.