High Schooler trying to break into Asset Management (SERIOUS)

I (16M) dream to become a portfolio manager for either a hedge fund or in asset management. I’m currently entering grade 12 and theres no chance I will be able to get into an Ivy League. What should I study in university? I was thinking about doing a double major in Econ and Stats, or doing a Business program. Also, should I try getting an internship right now? Overall, I’m just curious as to what I should be doing to secure such a position.

14 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and recommendations for your situation:

University Studies:

  • Double Major in Economics and Statistics: This combination is highly recommended. Statistics is becoming increasingly critical, especially on the investing side. A strong command of statistics, whether from a hard science, engineering, math, or a rigorous econ program, is essential.
  • Business Program: A business major can also be a good choice. Many students do supplementary majors like Physics, Math, or Applied & Computational Math & Stats alongside their business studies. This can help you stand out in recruiting and provide additional networking opportunities.

Internships:

  • Early Internships: It's a great idea to start looking for internships as early as possible. Even if you can't secure a formal internship, try to gain relevant experience through part-time jobs, volunteer work, or shadowing professionals in the field.

Additional Tips:

  • Networking: Start building your network early. Attend industry events, join relevant clubs, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.
  • Academic Performance: Maintain a strong GPA. While a double major might be challenging, a solid GPA is crucial for securing internships and job offers.
  • Skill Development: Focus on developing key skills such as financial modeling, data analysis, and programming. These skills are highly valued in asset management and hedge funds.

Example Pathways:

  • Notre Dame: Consider schools like Notre Dame, which offer strong business programs and opportunities for double majors. They also have a Business Honors Program that can help you stand out in recruiting.
  • Williams College: If you choose a school like Williams, you might consider a double major in Economics and Computer Science/Statistics. However, be mindful of the impact on your GPA.

By following these steps, you can position yourself well for a future career in asset management or as a portfolio manager. Good luck!

Sources: Majoring in Wall Street?, Single or double major at Williams?, Why you should consider Notre Dame for undergrad, 5 Steps To Becoming A Rockstar Freshman (Undergrad Advice), Physics undergrad admitted to top b-school

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

just read as many books and articles as you can. Don't worry about internships yet

 

I'd recommend STEM field (Math & Computer Science) instead of Econ/Finance. Econ/Finance concepts are really easy to understand and grasp quickly (relative to math and comp sci). You can then do CFA and use it to broad brush a layer of econ/finance/investing on top of having smarter brain from having studied STEM. Learning to code and program will go a long way I think.

 

Focus on one step at a time. It's good that you have these ambitions at such an early age, but for all you know your career path could change and you could be doing something else entirely; so be open-minded to other possibilities and don't dismiss anything outright. 

My advice would be to focus on the things you can control (Getting into a Target school, securing an internship, etc.) instead of focusing on something  10+ years down the line. 

Best of luck.

 
Most Helpful

You're still really young and shouldn't worry too much about it. That being said, if you want to be a prodigy in college here are some things that will help: 

  • Consider majors in finance, accounting, economics 
  • Good minors to pair with the ones above might also be computer science, business analytics, statistics, or real estate 
  • Get good grades 
  • Read as many investing books as you can 
  • Join and lead the school-managed investment fund and finance/investing clubs 
  • Get relevant finance internship experience early on (doesn't need to be AM/HF related)
  • Network with school alumni working in the field
  • Consider taking CFA level I or participating in the CFA research challenge 

Doing any to these things in the early years of college should help you land a relevant internship. 

 

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