When it comes to day trading, there are no "official" job requirements. Of course, there will be a few tools that you absolutely need in order to get up and running. You do not need a whole lot to get up and running, but there are some things you cannot do without.
Of course, you will need a computer with internet access. You do not have to have the best, top of the line, computer. It could actually be a few years old but it needs to be able to run Windows. You are able to use an Apple, but a PC is preferred so you do not have to jump through any hoops to get your charting platform set up.
If you have not figured the computer into the cost of trading, you will also want to make sure that you have a little bit of funds set aside. Anywhere between 5K and 10K is a good way to go. You will be able to start an account with about $2500 and you will want to plan for getting an education, as well as the cost of living while you are learning to trade. You will not trade live from the moment you learn, so you want to make sure you can pay your bills while you are in the simulation stage. Not a single bit of trading will get accomplished if your electricity gets cut off in the process.
Finally, you will need to have the right kind of mindset. If you have worked an office job for a long time, then you know it is no fun to have someone peeking over your shoulder every 5 minutes to make sure you are on track. Once you become a day trader, there is no one to peek over your shoulder, no one to tell you what you need to do next to be extremely productive, so that means it is all on you.
Discipline is one of the main requirements to become a day trader. Your studies will be independent as well as your trading. You will need to be disciplined to take the trades when you see them or to stay out when there is no trade to be taken. If you are not disciplined, then it is something that you will have to work on and trading live should not even be a consideration until you are ready.
Of course, you will need a computer with internet access. You do not have to have the best, top of the line, computer. It could actually be a few years old but it needs to be able to run Windows. You are able to use an Apple, but a PC is preferred so you do not have to jump through any hoops to get your charting platform set up.
If you have not figured the computer into the cost of trading, you will also want to make sure that you have a little bit of funds set aside. Anywhere between 5K and 10K is a good way to go. You will be able to start an account with about $2500 and you will want to plan for getting an education, as well as the cost of living while you are learning to trade. You will not trade live from the moment you learn, so you want to make sure you can pay your bills while you are in the simulation stage. Not a single bit of trading will get accomplished if your electricity gets cut off in the process.
Finally, you will need to have the right kind of mindset. If you have worked an office job for a long time, then you know it is no fun to have someone peeking over your shoulder every 5 minutes to make sure you are on track. Once you become a day trader, there is no one to peek over your shoulder, no one to tell you what you need to do next to be extremely productive, so that means it is all on you.
Discipline is one of the main requirements to become a day trader. Your studies will be independent as well as your trading. You will need to be disciplined to take the trades when you see them or to stay out when there is no trade to be taken. If you are not disciplined, then it is something that you will have to work on and trading live should not even be a consideration until you are ready.