text: how to become a (stock) trader? i would like to know how to become a stock trader. do i need to major in finance or business? i'm in near completion of a computer science degree. depends.  do you want to trade stocks for yourself or be a stock broker and trade for other people?   for yourself - http://www.etrade.com if you want to be a professional you will need to get your series 7 license.  in order to even take the test you will need to get sponsored by a financial company.  talk to a bank or financial planning firm.