Freedom to Transform: Exploring Traders' Journeys at Olam Agri from Ankur Mittal
Curious about life as a trader at Olam Agri?
Meet Ankur Mittal, Head of wheat and barley Trading in our grains business. He joined the Company as part of the Future Traders Programme in 2011, attracted by the opportunities to use his analytical skills, to live in cosmopolitan cities and to have an accelerated path to leadership.
Why did you join Olam Agri?
Olam Agri for many, is a hidden gem. I wasn’t aware of the Company until I got involved in Singapore Connect.
I looked at several different opportunities but ultimately chose Olam Agri’s Future Trader Programme because it was based in Singapore – a unique and exciting place to live; the promise of a trading role at the end of the programme; and the accelerated career path to leadership that it offered.
What can you tell me about the programme?
The programme’s well structured. You learn a lot about the Company operation and culture. You’re taught the foundations of trading by experts from within the business which is a good knowledge base, however, the real learning begins after the twelve months, when you start your job. From the outset you’re given a lot of freedom which stretches you and tests your resilience.
Why did you choose a career in trading?
Trading appealed to me because it’s a good fit for my analytical skills. It’s like poker, you read the environment, watch and anticipate what other players do, and look for clues. It takes a lot of thought and intuition, but it all happens quickly, so you must be decisive.
Feedback is instant - every day you get validation from the market as to whether you’re doing well or not, and you adjust accordingly. You’re trusted to use your initiative and empowered to make decisions.
It’s okay to fail, as long as you fail intelligently – learn from your mistakes and come back stronger.
Ankur Mittal,
Head of Wheat and Barley Trading, Grains, Dubai
What keeps you at Olam Agri?
I still find my role so exciting, so much so, I crave it when I’m on holiday! Don’t get me wrong, it’s stressful but it’s a lot of fun and I really value the team I work with. They’re sharp and insightful. We’ve become more than colleagues; we’re friends.
What advice would you give to someone starting the programme?
The end game can be different to your initial expectations. Keep an open mind and be ready to commit and absorb information. Take the plunge because it’s okay to fail, as long as you fail intelligently – learn from your mistakes and come back stronger.
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