Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods founded in 1851. Our activities across a diversified range of business lines span the entire value chain, from origination to distribution, helping to feed and clothe up to 500 million people every year. Our strong values, rich heritage, and clear vision for a safe and sustainable future guide us in our work to contribute to the global effort of providing sustenance for a growing population.

The Internship

The Commodity Trader Internship is an immersive 10-week paid summer program for college juniors, designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge you will need to thrive in the fast-paced commodity industry. Interns complete one, 10-week commodities desk rotation focused on learning how to trade physical commodities in global markets while managing substantial risks and volatility. Interns have direct access to LDC’s industry-leading traders and analysts in an open working environment that is designed to encourage the free flow of ideas and information. You will be assigned hands-on training in a challenging, objective-based and robust work environment. Potential assignments include work in our grains & oilseeds, cotton and coffee businesses. All interns will be considered for full-time employment after graduation.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to all aspects of the trading lifecycle including initiation, negotiation, transportation, logistics, delivery and payment.
• Forecast commodity supply and demand over time.
• Identify trading opportunities to generate profit and manage risk in dynamic and volatile markets.
• Build quantitative models that project and address surpluses and shortages of physical resources around the world.
• Conduct research projects on supply and demand trends, global crop conditions and weather patterns using statistical data analysis.
• Assist traders in executing hedge orders from both clients and suppliers.
• Work with teams to develop presentations, build models, assimilate data and generate reports that create interest in commodities and develop new business opportunities.
• Identify inefficiencies and mispricing in the global food supply chain.
• Assist in communication with clients on market updates, pricing and product offerings.
• Factorize all possible variables to determine product yield and develop yield estimate studies.
• Monitor changes in the daily market.
• Be an active and integral participant. Ask questions and offer opinions.

Role Requirements

• A genuine desire to learn about trading physical commodities and futures, and a keen interest in the global economy.
• Superior problem-solving, time-management and organizational skills.
• Adaptability and accountability.
• Comfort with taking calculated risks.
• Critical thinking and attention to detail.
• Analytical mindset with proven ability to gather, interpret and synthesize large volumes of data.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as an individual or collaborate as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and use of statistical information, particularly supply and demand economics and quantitative analysis.
• Demonstrated research experience in any domain.
• Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Familiarity with financial modeling.
• All majors welcome. Coursework or background in economics, finance, statistics, data analytics, physics, computer science, agriculture, accounting, engineering, business or mathematics is preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Macro programing skill such as Phyton, R, Stata and/or Microsoft Excel VBA is a plus.

If selected, you will be assigned to either our Memphis, TN or Wilton, CT location.

Who we are looking for:

• A background in economics, finance and math is desirable but not a requirement.
• Students with a demonstrated interest in trading and/or markets
• Outgoing students who can think on their feet and act decisively.

To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment Visa status.

Louis Dreyfus Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and strongly supports workforce diversity.

Commodities trading represents the purest expression of supply and demand. As an LDC Commodity Trading Intern, you see how the pieces of the puzzle come together. The connection between the results of your efforts and how it contributes to the company is tangible. — SEBASTIAN M.