Dimitrije Markovic

Dimitrije Markovic (30) was born in Serbia. With a Bachelor degree in Power Engineering and a Master degree in Renewable Energy Sources from the School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Belgrade, Dimitrije started simultaneously building professional experience and ended up in power trading in a company in Belgrade, his hometown. There, Dimitrije was trading Central-East European and Southeast European day-ahead power markets. Dimitrije started his career at Northpool in October 2020.

I was looking for challenging roles that would suit my educational background and professional interest. Shortly after, with a few scrolls and searches on LinkedIn, I found Northpool, applied, and got the position of Junior Trader. I packed my suitcase, took a flight, and the rest is history.

Back then it was way smaller, with less employees, and we were all trying our best to build this powerhouse that Northpool has become now. We were also in a different, smaller office, and in general had less well-oiled procedures in place. The thing that never changes is the people: here are some of the brightest and most enthusiastic experts in their respective fields.

I first enrolled in the Intraday training program, which was my first experience with a fast-paced trading environment, and during that time I upgraded many skills that I appreciate today. The intraday desk provided me with a crucial foundation and enabled me to deeply understand the market I trade today. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to be part of that team. On the other hand, I always felt that day-ahead trading suits me best and eventually, after 3 years on Intraday shifts, I ended up on Day-Ahead trading desk.

There is never a dull moment, ever! You learn every day.

Except for technical and job-matter-relevant skills, I learned how to become adaptive, pragmatic, and how to communicate in such fast-paced environments. Also, how to always allow people to give feedback and learn something valuable from it.

Even if I didn’t have it in me, the market would make me do it. It’s simple as that: either you stay in and keep track, or it beats you. And as you can imagine, I like winning!

My day starts quite early as I am trading the day ahead market, but that means you can literally seize the day! In all honesty, my working day starts the evening before because I never go to bed without having at least an idea of what’s tomorrow going to look like. After coffee on the go (well, behind my desk), the world of trading starts rolling and doesn’t really stop until late afternoon when I shift my focus on the reflections and learnings of the day.

Knowing my priorities: I want to be successful in both professional and private life. Sometimes this is more challenging, other times it is easier. Overall, it is manageable with a solid support system, which I am happy to have.

I have recently reached that infamous age of 30 where allegedly all crises start so hence my hobbies: playing tennis, piano, and, most recently, I am trying to brew my own beer.

Inspiring, dynamic, fun.

Even when we have different opinions, we come to a common ground in a respectful way.

I have learned a lot from all of them: not only professionally, but also about their backgrounds, cultures, interests, and that adds fun to the serious work we do. They also thought me my favorite quote today: “You wanted a bicycle, now ride it.”

There are many, but mostly to keep growing, keep learning, and have fun along the way.

Learn as much as you can, ask every question that crosses your mind, find what trading style works for you, and stay open to think differently!