AM vs HF

3rd year sell-side analyst here. I've been approached by a HF recruiter and could start interviewing for a L/s HF analyst role soon at one of the largest MM HFs in London pretty soon. As much as it's coveted, many analysts from my bank have made the jump.

I've entered ER hoping eventually I'll end up in LO AM, but I would say I haven't made any progress towards that. It's insanely difficult to network and be visible. Still I think I can try other approaches, but I'm not sure. Should I just ditch AM and become a hedgie for good? Not sure if it's possible to go from HF to AM (considering I'd be conditioned to be less risk averse).

Which industry is more worthy as of now?

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No one can decide for you. Know difference between HF and LO: http://buysidefocus.com/mutual-fund-vs-hedge-fund/. Then assess: Can you add value and progress at a HF? 

Just because everyone from your bank is going to MM HFs, doesn't mean you should do the same. If everyone is jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge, will you? There are many great threads on what MM HF entails (this one), understand what you are signing up.  

It's possible to go from HF to AM. By then, you have real buy-side experience on resume so response rate should be higher, but still no guarantee when and if you will make to AM because tons of HF folks want to go to AM each year. 

 

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