Credit Trader
Name: Flavia Fulea
Degree: MSc in Informatik
Profession: Credit Trader
Employer: UBS
Describe your job in one sentence.
I buy and sell CHF-denominated bonds while managing key risks, including interest rate risk, credit exposure, and market conditions.
What are the three main tasks in your job?
- Market analysis: Monitoring the markets, economic data, and news.
- Executing trades: Proposing trade ideas for clients, discussing relative value, analysing the most attractive opportunities.
- Risk management: Managing positions, hedging, and continuously evaluating portfolio performance to minimize losses and maximize returns.
What do you think is the best/most exciting thing about this job?
Every day is different; the job depends a lot on the developments in the markets and you need to adapt. Once you settle in the role, you have an understanding of the basics, but you must adapt to a changing market every hour. It challenges your problem-solving skills and creativity.
What is the biggest challenge in this job?
The biggest challenge is the ongoing electronification of markets. As trading becomes increasingly automated, we must adapt to new technologies, learn to work with algorithms, and find ways to stay relevant in a highly digital environment.
What does it take to enter this profession or be successful in it?
Curiosity, a strong willingness to learn, and good communication skills are essential. The markets are constantly changing, so being eager to understand new trends and able to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients makes a big difference.
What opportunities for advancement/further development are there?
You usually start by focusing on a small sector or specific product area, and over time you can expand your coverage and responsibilities. There are also opportunities to develop on the technical side, such as working with data analysis, algorithmic trading, or electronic platforms.
As a graduate, what would you have liked to know about this profession?
That success in trading is really all about building strong relationships with clients and collaborating effectively with your team. Personal connections and teamwork often make the biggest difference in this field.
What advice would you give to students who are interested in this job?
It can be difficult to start directly in a trading role, so don’t worry if your first job is in another markets-related area. You’ll still gain valuable experience and knowledge that can help you move into trading later on.
Looking back on your career, is there anything you would do differently? Why?
No, not really. I took a few wrong steps along the way, but they always worked out in the end and taught me valuable lessons.
Is there anything else you would like to share with current students?
A career is a marathon, not a sprint. The first few years matter — they set the foundation for your skills, reputation, and network. Work hard, learn as much as you can, and seize opportunities. But remember, you’ll likely be working for decades, so pace yourself. Keep investing in your growth and think strategically about where you want to be in the long run – not only professionally but also in your personal life.
(Status: November 2025)