Working Conditions for Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agentsMost securities and commodities sales agents work in offices under fairly stressful conditions. They have access to �quote boards� or computer terminals that continually provide information on the prices of securities. When sales activity increases, due perhaps to unanticipated changes in the economy, the pace can become very hectic. Established securities and commodities sales agents usually work a standard 40-hour week. Beginners who are seeking customers usually work longer hours. New brokers spend a great deal of time learning the firm�s products and services and studying for exams in order to qualify to sell other products, such as insurance and commodities. Most securities and commodities sales agents accommodate customers by meeting with them in the evenings or on weekends. A growing number of securities sales agents, employed mostly by discount or online brokerage firms, work in call-center environments. In these centers, hundreds of agents spend much of the day on the telephone taking orders from clients or offering advice and information on different securities. Often, such call centers operate 24 hours a day, requiring agents to work in shifts. Financial services sales agents normally work 40 hours a week in a comfortable, less stressful office environment. They may spend considerable time outside the office, meeting with current and prospective clients, attending civic functions, and participating in trade association meetings. Some financial services sales agents work exclusively inside banks, providing service to walk-in customers. More information on Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents occupation Number of Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents Working conditions for Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents Significant points for Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents Training requirements for Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |