Summer Internship – Precious Metals Trading & Market Analysis

Location: London Liverpool Street, UK
Duration: 4–6 weeks 

Do you enjoy analysing trends, solving problems and turning data into insights? Join the BASF Precious Metals Trading team in London and gain hands-on experience in one of the world's most dynamic commodity markets. Working alongside experienced traders, analysts and commercial professionals, you'll develop a practical understanding of precious metals trading, market analysis, physical supply chains and risk management within a global business environment. 

What You'll Be Doing

Gain Exposure to Commodity Trading

• Learn how precious metals are sourced, traded and supplied across the BASF Group
• Develop an understanding of physical delivery logistics and trading operations
• Observe how market movements and risk management influence commercial decisions

Lead a Real Business Project

You will take ownership of a project to design and implement a new end-to-end trading process for an emerging business activity. This will involve:

• Mapping and improving business processes
• Working with colleagues across multiple UK sites
• Identifying opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements
• Exploring how AI and digital tools can support business performance

Research Emerging Markets

Working with market analysts, you will:

• Investigate industries that consume precious metals, such as advanced glass, chemicals and emerging manufacturing technologies
• Review information from industry publications, academic research, databases and AI-assisted tools
• Assess market opportunities and future demand trends
• Build simple forecasting models to estimate future precious metals demand
• Present findings and recommendations to business stakeholders

By the end of the internship, you will have developed experience in:

• Commodity trading and market fundamentals
• Commercial analytics and forecasting
• Process improvement and automation
• AI-enabled business applications
• Project management and stakeholder engagement
• Business communication and presentation skills
• Data analysis and decision-making in a commercial environment

Essential Skills & Attributes

1. Analytical Thinking

• You have the ability to analyse information and identify key insights
• You are comfortable working with numerical data and trends
• You are interested in economics, commodities and/or business strategy

2. Communication & Collaboration

• You have strong written and verbal communication skills
• You have confidence working with people from different teams and backgrounds
• You are able to explain ideas clearly and present findings simply

3. Initiative & Problem Solving

• You are curious and have a proactive approach to learning
• You have interest in improving processes and finding practical solutions
• You have experience using data visualisation or automation tools
• You have experience conducting research and evaluating sources

Desirable Skills & Experience

• You have experience leading a university, society or work project with understanding of project planning, organisation and delivery
• You have experience of interpreting market information and building simple models

Who Should Apply?

• You are studying Economics, Mathematics,, Business, Data Analytics or a related field at university 
• You have a genuine interest in commodities trading, financial markets or economic analysis
• You enjoy working with data and developing evidence-based recommendations
• You are eager to gain experience in a fast-paced commercial environment

Why work with us?

You'll work on meaningful projects that create real business value. You'll gain exposure to experienced professionals, develop commercial and analytical skills, and build a deeper understanding of how global commodity markets support manufacturing and innovation worldwide.