How To Become An Options Trader: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2024)

Key steps to become an options trader

1. Explore options trader education requirements

   If you're interested in becoming an options trader, you must consider how much education you need. Based on real options trader resumes, 82.3% of options traders have a bachelor's degree. Regarding higher education levels, 11.9% of options traders have master's degrees. Even though most options traders have a college degree, it's impossible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

   Most common options trader degrees

   Bachelor's

   82.3

   %

   Master's

   11.9

   %

   See Also

   What Does an Options Trader Do? Roles And Responsibilities - Zippia1,000+ Options Trader jobs in United StatesRemote Trading Jobs | How To Become A Trader From Home438 Options Trader jobs in India

   Associate

   3.4

   %

2. Start to develop specific options trader skills

   Options traders use a variety of skills to manage risk and identify trade opportunities. They leverage technical and fundamental analysis, use order flow volume analysis to identify trends, and incorporate correlation and technical analysis into their financial models. They also use programming languages like VBA and Python, and utilize automated high-frequency trading techniques. Effective options traders are able to analyze and report market conditions, identify successful trades using proprietary indicators, and monitor position risk and margins. They also develop and implement options strategies based on their research of market trends and individual options components.

   Skills	Percentages
   FX	32.16%
   Stock Options	16.62%
   Equities	10.93%
   Stock Market	5.46%
   Risk Management Strategies	3.20%

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3. Research options trader duties and responsibilities

   An options trader's responsibilities include automating trade allocation and reconciliation procedures using VBA programming, advising institutional and retail option traders on advanced strategies and hedge techniques, and executing domestic/global equities securities with minimal market impact. They also perform detailed analysis, market/economic indicator research, and evaluation on technical numbers and historical data. Additionally, they design and implement automated high-frequency etf spread trades, train extensively in option pricing risk management, and generate steady monthly net PNL.

   • Enact, and manage equity block desk operation and set up floor broker network on NYSE.
   • Create VBA applications to automate basic trading functions and administration functions such as reorganization tenders and trade pricing issues.
   • Manage business, sales, marketing, international negotiation and communication for a commodities business.
   • Trade options profitably on screen markets and trade complex option spreads via telephone brokers at the CBOE and CME.

4. Get options trader experience

5. Prepare your options trader resume

   When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your options trader resume.

   You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an options trader resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

   Choose From 10+ Customizable Options Trader Resume templates

   Build a professional

   Options Trader

   resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume.

   Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Options Trader resume.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

6. Apply for options trader jobs

   Now it's time to start searching for an options trader job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

   1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
   2. Consult your professional network
   3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
   4. Watch out for job scams

How do options traders rate their job?

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.