Jona Karcini

Tell us a bit about your background? 

I studied International Economics and Management at Bocconi University in Milan, graduating in 2023. During my undergraduate studies, I joined the Shipping, Energy and Geopolitics Society, which sparked my interest in the energy industry. Later, while writing my thesis on the feasibility of Norway phasing out its oil and gas operations, I became certain that I wanted to pursue a career in energy, particularly in trading. 

To build on that interest, I started my postgraduate degree in Energy Management in 2024 at ESCP Business School, studying across London and Paris. 

I first came across Centrica during a derivatives lecture on risk management, where it was used as an example. Shortly after, I applied for the graduate scheme, and the rest is history. I’m grateful to be part of the 2025 cohort. 

What has surprised you most since joining the graduate scheme? 
What really stood out to me straight away is how open and supportive the culture is.  

People are busy, of course, but there’s a genuine willingness to help and to teach. That creates a very personal and welcoming environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and being curious. As a graduate, that makes a huge difference. 

Is there such a thing as a typical day for you? 

I’m currently in my first placement, in Product Control, so mornings are usually focused on submitting our P&L, managing the books and making sure everything is accurate.  

Once that’s done, I try to be as proactive as possible. I’ll often set up informal meetings with traders, originators or people in other teams, simply to understand what they do and how their role fits into the wider business. 

Those conversations help me do my current job better, but they’re also invaluable in helping me understand where I might want to go in future rotations and learn from divisions which I might not be part of but will certainly impact my day-to-day tasks. 

What have you found most exciting or meaningful so far? 

I think the environment itself being so volatile makes each day unique, so it is always exciting to see what’s new today. How different people in the office are seeing the market, reactions to news and small details that shape the course of action across the normal routine.  

How has the graduate scheme supported your development? 
Starting in a supporting role has allowed me to build a solid foundation and reinforce my knowledge on the fundamentals, which I think is the best structure for long-term development. 

My second rotation, beginning in May, will give me the opportunity to move into a front-office role. By being proactive and engaging with different teams, I’ve been able to explore where I want to focus. The scheme is designed so that each rotation builds on the previous one: you consolidate your knowledge in the first, apply it in the second, and by the third, you can experiment with new areas or move toward the role that feels like the best fit. 

Overall, the scheme provides both a strong foundation and the flexibility to grow across different areas of energy trading. By the end, you not only gain insight into trading itself but also understand the broader elements that support a successful trading career. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying? 

Be confident, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself to know everything – you shouldn’t beat yourself up if you don’t know every commodity or market. The energy sector is always evolving—what’s a major focus today might not be in a year or two. A successful application shows genuine interest in trading and the energy sector, and above all, a willingness to be part of the evolution of the market. 

Centrica is an amazing place for that because learning happens every day. You’re not expected to know everything from the start. What matters is that you understand the basics, show curiosity, and are eager to develop. If you try to come in knowing it all, you risk limiting your own growth. Here, everyone is consistently learning, and the environment encourages you to do the same.