OPT Trainee Jobs
Trainee roles are among the most OPT-friendly positions available, as many employers structure them specifically around recent graduates developing hands-on skills. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies) gives you enough runway to complete a full training cycle and transition into a full-time role.
Find OPT Trainee JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 570+ Trainee jobs
See all 570+ Trainee Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Trainee roles.
Get Access To All JobsGroup Overview
The TP ICAP Group is a world leading provider of market infrastructure.
Our purpose is to provide clients with access to global financial and commodities markets, improving price discovery, liquidity, and distribution of data, through responsible and innovative solutions.
Through our people and technology, we connect clients to superior liquidity and data solutions.
The Group is home to a stable of premium brands. Collectively, TP ICAP is the largest interdealer broker in the world by revenue, the number one Energy & Commodities broker in the world, the world’s leading provider of OTC data, and an award winning all-to-all trading platform.
The Group operates from more than 60 offices in 27 countries. We are 5,300 people strong. We work as one to achieve our vision of being the world’s most trusted, innovative, liquidity and data solutions specialist.
ICAP
ICAP, part of TP ICAP group, provides a wide variety of execution and information services to wholesale market participants.
We offer broking services covering a wide range of asset classes, including Commodities, Credit, Equities, FX, Money Market Funds and Rates.
For each asset class, ICAP offers e-trading capability, giving clients the option to enter prices and execute trades directly via one of our hybrid electronic trading systems, or to engage with brokers who can identify and negotiate trades.
Role Overview
ICAP is seeking a bright, intellectually curious and enthusiastic graduate to join its Energy & Commodities business in the Durham / Chapel Hill area of North Carolina. This is a distinctive and unique opportunity to begin a career in commodities broking while building your professional future locally in North Carolina. You will learn directly from experienced brokers and the traders they serve, develop a deep understanding of energy markets and quickly take on responsibility in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.
Your career path
Our intention is not to train you to support brokers indefinitely. It is to develop you into a broker with the market knowledge, commercial judgement and client relationships to build a long-term career in this product. Development is expected to progress from trainee responsibilities into broking tasks and, with sustained performance, broader and more senior broking responsibilities. Progression will be informed by demonstrated market knowledge, relationship building, judgement, execution quality, contribution to the desk and, over time, revenue production.
Role Responsibilities:
- Learn how physical and financial energy markets work, including the products traded and the role of a broker within those markets.
- Build understanding of price discovery and what moves and drives commodity markets.
- Develop understanding of trading and market analysis.
- Learn negotiation skills and execution strategies.
- Monitor markets, financial news, identifying potential trading opportunities and strategies.
- Support accurate and timely trade capture, record keeping and resolution of trade queries.
- Work alongside experienced brokers to provide reliable client coverage by telephone, messaging and face to face.
- Support the desk with daily activities as requested.
- Over time, take on increasing client responsibility and develop the skills and relationships required to build your own client base.
- Promote TP ICAP Group.
Experience / Competences:
Essential
- Proficient mathematics demonstrated by strong academic achievement (e.g. High School Diploma). Strong quantitative aptitude and confidence working with numbers are essential.
- Strong Excel skills (advanced formulas, pivot tables, Power Query).
- No prior commodities or financial services experience is required, although candidates should demonstrate a genuine interest in financial markets and the broader economy.
- High level of computer competence.
- Hard working and willingness to learn.
- Resilient - ability to work effectively in a high-pressure environment, can keep emotions under control in difficult situations.
- Build relationships and networks with both internally and externally wherever possible.
- Naturally inquisitive to seek out answers, develop and grow.
- Attention to detail.
- Team player, demonstrating ability to work effectively with others.
- Values Differences - recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Works ethically and shows respect for both professional and company values.
Desired
- Coding ability (Python, VBA, SQL, or similar) desired.
- Bachelor’s degree required or expected by the full-time start date. Candidates from business, finance, economics, mathematics, energy and statistics are encouraged to apply.
- Experience working in Financial Services and/or understanding of the Energy asset class.
Role Band & Level
- Professional, 4
ICAP #LI-Onsite #LI-ENT
Not The Perfect Fit?
Concerned that you may not meet the criteria precisely? At TP ICAP, we wholeheartedly believe in fostering inclusivity and cultivating a work environment where everyone can flourish, regardless of your personal or professional background. If you are enthusiastic about this role but find that your experience doesn't align perfectly with every aspect of the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be the ideal candidate for this position or another opportunity within our organisation. Our dedicated Talent Acquisition team is here to assist you in recognising how your unique skills and abilities can be a valuable contribution. Don't hesitate to take the leap and explore the possibilities. Your potential is what truly matters to us.
Company Statement
We know that the best innovation happens when diverse people with different perspectives and skills work together in an inclusive atmosphere. That's why we're building a culture where everyone plays a part in making people feel welcome, ready and willing to contribute. TP ICAP Accord - our Employee Network - is a central to this. As well as representing specific groups, TP ICAP Accord helps increase awareness, collaboration, shares best practice, and holds our firm to account for driving continuous cultural improvement.
Location
USA - Home - North Carolina
Group Overview
The TP ICAP Group is a world leading provider of market infrastructure.
Our purpose is to provide clients with access to global financial and commodities markets, improving price discovery, liquidity, and distribution of data, through responsible and innovative solutions.
Through our people and technology, we connect clients to superior liquidity and data solutions.
The Group is home to a stable of premium brands. Collectively, TP ICAP is the largest interdealer broker in the world by revenue, the number one Energy & Commodities broker in the world, the world’s leading provider of OTC data, and an award winning all-to-all trading platform.
The Group operates from more than 60 offices in 27 countries. We are 5,300 people strong. We work as one to achieve our vision of being the world’s most trusted, innovative, liquidity and data solutions specialist.
ICAP
ICAP, part of TP ICAP group, provides a wide variety of execution and information services to wholesale market participants.
We offer broking services covering a wide range of asset classes, including Commodities, Credit, Equities, FX, Money Market Funds and Rates.
For each asset class, ICAP offers e-trading capability, giving clients the option to enter prices and execute trades directly via one of our hybrid electronic trading systems, or to engage with brokers who can identify and negotiate trades.
Role Overview
ICAP is seeking a bright, intellectually curious and enthusiastic graduate to join its Energy & Commodities business in the Durham / Chapel Hill area of North Carolina. This is a distinctive and unique opportunity to begin a career in commodities broking while building your professional future locally in North Carolina. You will learn directly from experienced brokers and the traders they serve, develop a deep understanding of energy markets and quickly take on responsibility in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.
Your career path
Our intention is not to train you to support brokers indefinitely. It is to develop you into a broker with the market knowledge, commercial judgement and client relationships to build a long-term career in this product. Development is expected to progress from trainee responsibilities into broking tasks and, with sustained performance, broader and more senior broking responsibilities. Progression will be informed by demonstrated market knowledge, relationship building, judgement, execution quality, contribution to the desk and, over time, revenue production.
Role Responsibilities:
- Learn how physical and financial energy markets work, including the products traded and the role of a broker within those markets.
- Build understanding of price discovery and what moves and drives commodity markets.
- Develop understanding of trading and market analysis.
- Learn negotiation skills and execution strategies.
- Monitor markets, financial news, identifying potential trading opportunities and strategies.
- Support accurate and timely trade capture, record keeping and resolution of trade queries.
- Work alongside experienced brokers to provide reliable client coverage by telephone, messaging and face to face.
- Support the desk with daily activities as requested.
- Over time, take on increasing client responsibility and develop the skills and relationships required to build your own client base.
- Promote TP ICAP Group.
Experience / Competences:
Essential
- Proficient mathematics demonstrated by strong academic achievement (e.g. High School Diploma). Strong quantitative aptitude and confidence working with numbers are essential.
- Strong Excel skills (advanced formulas, pivot tables, Power Query).
- No prior commodities or financial services experience is required, although candidates should demonstrate a genuine interest in financial markets and the broader economy.
- High level of computer competence.
- Hard working and willingness to learn.
- Resilient - ability to work effectively in a high-pressure environment, can keep emotions under control in difficult situations.
- Build relationships and networks with both internally and externally wherever possible.
- Naturally inquisitive to seek out answers, develop and grow.
- Attention to detail.
- Team player, demonstrating ability to work effectively with others.
- Values Differences - recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Works ethically and shows respect for both professional and company values.
Desired
- Coding ability (Python, VBA, SQL, or similar) desired.
- Bachelor’s degree required or expected by the full-time start date. Candidates from business, finance, economics, mathematics, energy and statistics are encouraged to apply.
- Experience working in Financial Services and/or understanding of the Energy asset class.
Role Band & Level
- Professional, 4
ICAP #LI-Onsite #LI-ENT
Not The Perfect Fit?
Concerned that you may not meet the criteria precisely? At TP ICAP, we wholeheartedly believe in fostering inclusivity and cultivating a work environment where everyone can flourish, regardless of your personal or professional background. If you are enthusiastic about this role but find that your experience doesn't align perfectly with every aspect of the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be the ideal candidate for this position or another opportunity within our organisation. Our dedicated Talent Acquisition team is here to assist you in recognising how your unique skills and abilities can be a valuable contribution. Don't hesitate to take the leap and explore the possibilities. Your potential is what truly matters to us.
Company Statement
We know that the best innovation happens when diverse people with different perspectives and skills work together in an inclusive atmosphere. That's why we're building a culture where everyone plays a part in making people feel welcome, ready and willing to contribute. TP ICAP Accord - our Employee Network - is a central to this. As well as representing specific groups, TP ICAP Accord helps increase awareness, collaboration, shares best practice, and holds our firm to account for driving continuous cultural improvement.
Location
USA - Home - North Carolina
See all 570+ OPT Trainee Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Trainee Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Trainee
Confirm the role qualifies as a specialty occupation
Trainee positions vary widely. Make sure the role requires your specific degree field to avoid DSO complications. Roles with vague requirements like 'any bachelor's degree accepted' may not support a future H-1B visa petition from the same employer.
Apply for STEM OPT extension before your 12 months expire
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, file your STEM OPT extension at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Your employer must be E-Verify enrolled and sign a formal training plan on Form I-983.
Ask about the employer's H-1B sponsorship history early
Many trainee programs are designed as pipelines to full-time employment. Ask directly during interviews whether the company has sponsored H-1B visas for trainees before. Past sponsorship is the strongest indicator they'll do it again.
Get your training plan in writing before your start date
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan tied to your degree. Having this documented from day one protects you if your employer changes managers or restructures. It also strengthens your USCIS record if your extension is ever audited.
Track your OPT start date against the role's training timeline
Some trainee programs run 18 to 24 months. Map your OPT authorization window against the full program timeline before accepting an offer so you understand exactly when you'll need H-1B sponsorship or another status change.
Target companies with established graduate training programs
Large employers in finance, consulting, engineering, and technology run structured trainee cohorts with dedicated HR processes. These organizations typically have immigration counsel on retainer and are more familiar with OPT documentation requirements than smaller employers.
Trainee OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a trainee on OPT?
Yes, as long as the trainee role is directly related to your degree field. OPT authorizes you to work in a position that uses the knowledge and skills from your program of study. A computer science graduate working as a software engineering trainee qualifies. A business graduate in a general administrative trainee role may face scrutiny depending on how the job is defined.
Does a trainee role count toward my STEM OPT extension requirements?
It can, but the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and the role must provide practical training in your STEM field. You'll also need to complete Form I-983 with your employer, outlining specific learning objectives tied to your degree. Generic trainee programs without clear ties to a STEM discipline may not satisfy USCIS requirements for the extension.
What if my trainee program ends before my OPT authorization expires?
If you complete the program and transition into a direct employment role with the same employer, your OPT authorization continues as long as the new role still relates to your degree. If the program ends without a full-time offer, you enter the standard 60-day grace period. You cannot begin working for a new employer until you update your SEVIS record and your DSO authorizes the change.
How do I find trainee jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and lists trainee positions from employers familiar with OPT work authorization. Filtering by visa sponsorship compatibility saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering authorization issues late in the process. Browse Migrate Mate to find verified OPT-friendly trainee openings across industries.
Will working as a trainee help me qualify for H-1B sponsorship later?
It depends on how the role is classified. Trainee positions that clearly require a specific bachelor's degree field support the specialty occupation argument needed for an H-1B petition. If the role involved broad generalist work across departments, USCIS may question whether it meets the specialty occupation threshold. Document your degree-specific responsibilities throughout the program to build a strong record for any future petition.