Since its inception 3 years ago, Gen10 have been keen supporters of the Liverpool Business School Commodity Trading Hub (LBSCTH), led by Matthew Halsall and Chris Lewis. The programme includes a series of guest lectures, seminars, training, and placements from Gen10 and other leading commodities firms. It also provides students with the opportunity to learn through workshops and simulations, including using Gen10’s CommOS platform as a simulated trading game.
The Hub is proving highly successful in promoting careers in commodities, securing 5 graduate roles for students in 2024 and 13 in 2025. Two of these 2025 graduates are now in full-time roles as Business Analysts at Gen10. Below, Dina Dal shares the experiences she and Rime El Moutez had of the transition into the commodities industry, and how the Commodity Trading Hub and Gen10 have set them up for success.
Learning from the Experts: LBSCTH Classroom Insights
Last year, we had the privilege of being part of the LBSCTH, the golden opportunity that shaped our understanding of the commodity trading industry and laid the foundation for our careers. Being selected to join the programme was a real milestone for us, as it brought together students and industry professionals to a learning environment that went far beyond traditional classroom teaching.
Throughout the sessions, we learned directly from a wide range of guest speakers, including shipbrokers, exchange representatives, traders, analysts, and risk managers, all of whom brought their own experience, stories, and perspectives to the classroom. Their contributions were incredibly valuable, and each of them played a role in strengthening our foundations before entering the industry.
The topics they covered were practical and highly relevant, such as freight and shipping markets, options and derivatives, technical analysis, risk management, and even an ICE trading simulation where we were able to try trading ourselves. Whether it was learning about freight dynamics, understanding options strategies, or hearing market stories from their careers, every session added something meaningful and helped us see the real-world applications of what we were studying.
Another core part of the programme that pushed us to grow was the group presentations, where each team was assigned a commodity to analyse using the mindset of traders. We evaluated supply and demand factors, pricing dynamics, trade flows, market risks, and other key drivers before presenting our findings to the class. These presentations challenged us to step outside our comfort zone, strengthen our analytical thinking, and improve our confidence in communicating complex ideas, which are all essential skills for anyone entering the trading world.
Their collective insight, combined with the practical experience we gained through our presentations and coursework, helped us understand the industry on a deeper level and brought every concept to life, ultimately preparing us for the next step: joining Gen10 and beginning our journey in the industry.
First Day in Gen 10: Thrown into the Deep End
From our very first day at Gen10, we hit the ground running. We were sent to the Commodity Trading Week EU conference in London, where we met companies across the supply chain and spoke with potential clients interested in our CTRM solution. We also attended several insightful sessions, including one focused on AI, where our CEO, Richard Williamson, delivered a keynote speech. This session was particularly valuable for us because we are currently working on an AI bot project at Gen10.
Hearing industry leaders discuss how AI is transforming trading workflows, enhancing risk management, and reshaping CTRM systems helped us understand the direction the industry is heading in and how our project fits into that bigger picture. We also had the chance to discuss our solutions during networking, which pushed us out of our comfort zone in the best way possible. A major highlight of the conference at the time was the discussion surrounding the Trump Administration’s tariffs and their impact on global trade, which brought real-world context to many of the concepts we studied in class.
From Theory to Practice: Applying Classroom Knowledge at Gen10
Building on everything we learned in the Hub, our transition into Gen10 played a major role in reinforcing the terminology, concepts, and market logic we had been introduced to in class. Working directly on the Gen10 system allows us to put theory into practice; from understanding contract structures and trade flows to navigating pricing components, risk considerations, and operational details. The platform became the bridge between academic learning and real-world application, helping us see how the decisions discussed in our sessions translate into everyday tasks and workflows within a trading environment.
What made the experience even more valuable was how the contracts and scenarios we worked on were directly connected to the roles of the guest speakers we had met in the Hub. The shipbrokers, exchange representatives, traders, analysts, and risk managers who taught us in class suddenly became part of the bigger picture. The system helped us connect their responsibilities to the processes we were working through, reinforcing how everything we learned in the Hub is reflected in the day-to-day operations of the industry.
Why Gen10 Stands Out: Responsibility, Culture, and Growth
One, we were trusted with real responsibilities, welcomed into meaningful projects, and encouraged to contribute our ideas. The environment is fast-paced and innovative, especially with the company’s focus on technology, automation, and AI. Working here also made us appreciate the true importance of having a strong CTRM system which is not just as a tool, but as the backbone of efficient trading, risk management, and operational workflows. Seeing how vital it is for traders, analysts, and operators to have accurate, real-time information reinforced the value of what we do every day.
What makes Gen10 stand out the most is the culture; supportive, collaborative, and committed to growth. We are surrounded by a team that pushes us to think critically, solve problems, and develop both professionally and personally. Being exposed to real workflows, client needs, and system development at such an early stage in our careers is something we don’t take for granted. It’s rare to find a company that gives young professionals this level of trust, responsibility, and opportunity.
We quickly realized that Gen10 is not only shaping the future of commodity management but also shaping the people who work within it. Gen10 has become more than a workplace for us; it’s a place where we feel challenged, valued, and continuously learning. That is why we believe it’s a truly great company to be part of.
Transformative Growth: How LBSCTH and Gen10 Shaped Us
Our time at LBSCTH and Gen10 has been truly transformative. From the very beginning, we were pushed to step out of our comfort zones, tackle real-world challenges, and think critically about every task. This experience has strengthened our self-confidence, sharpened our analytical and problem-solving skills, and nurtured a sense of ambition to continuously improve and make an impact.
Being part of Gen10 has shown us the importance of responsibility, collaboration, and adaptability in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment. Coupled with the structured learning and exposure from LBSCTH, these experiences have shaped not only our professional capabilities but also our personal traits such as resilience, curiosity, and a proactive mindset.
Ultimately, the combination of guidance, trust, and opportunity we receive has transformed us into more capable, self-assured, and ambitious professionals.
