What college should I choose undergraduate for Asset Management/Equity Research?
Money isn’t an issue (decent scholarships). I just care about programs.
SMU Cox Finance
IU Kelley Hutton Honors Finance
UC Davis (Business will choose finance later if I commit) UCSB (Economics + Accounting)
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how these programs stack up for Asset Management and Equity Research:
SMU Cox Finance: SMU Cox has a strong reputation in finance, particularly in the Texas region. Its alumni network is robust, especially in Dallas, which is a growing hub for finance and asset management. If you’re targeting opportunities in Texas or the South, this could be a great choice.
IU Kelley Hutton Honors Finance: Kelley’s Hutton Honors program is highly regarded and offers excellent placement in top finance roles. The program’s focus on experiential learning and its strong alumni network make it a standout option for breaking into competitive fields like equity research and asset management.
UC Davis (Business with Finance focus): UC Davis is a solid school, but its business program doesn’t have the same level of prestige or finance-specific focus as SMU Cox or IU Kelley. It may be a better fit if you’re targeting West Coast opportunities and prefer a broader business education.
UCSB (Economics + Accounting): UCSB’s Economics and Accounting program is well-respected, particularly for accounting roles. However, it may not provide the same direct finance focus or networking opportunities as SMU Cox or IU Kelley for asset management or equity research.
Recommendation:
If your primary goal is to break into Asset Management or Equity Research, IU Kelley Hutton Honors Finance would likely be the best choice due to its strong finance curriculum, honors program, and proven track record in placing students into competitive finance roles. SMU Cox Finance is a close second, especially if you’re targeting the Texas region.
Sources: Asset Management vs Investment Banking 101, Why Work in Asset Management?, Best undergraduate degree for equity research?, Best Long-Only Asset Managers for Undergraduates, How competitive is it to get asset management out of undergrad?
IU is probably the best from a brand and rankings standpoint - I have heard good things, anecdotally, about both their undergrad and graduate business schools. The balance are probably a toss up, IMO, though I don't know much specifically about UC system - SMU, again, anecdotally a good school/program and probably a bit stronger regionally brand wise.
Congrats - ultimately a good lineup of schools/programs.
LO AM is a dying industry dude. Most of us who joined here will stick it out as long as able, but most of my analyst buddies don't expect to get more than another 15-20yrs left (headwinds from shift to passive + fee pressure + AI-driven pressures reducing headcount)
For someone in your shoes, even if you do make the cut and get a job in this industry (which is probably 2-3x more competitive than it was when I first joined) your career lifespan will be 5-10yrs most likely
Where would you suggest a student who enjoys Fixed income ( / macro analysis) to target? (S&T is shrinking, IB emphasises micro analysis, and wealth management is distinct in its own way)
What else do you suggest then?
If I wasn't so locked into this career path (and had the option to but alas after nearly a decade in public markets in early 30s), then likely late stage private tech (think Coatue, Dragoneer, etc)
The startups are also interesting (I don't mean seed stage, again I'm talking about mid-stage private tech firms -- think anthropic a few years ago or anduril a few years ago or whatever). Higher risk and I wouldn't join some random one, but think v hard about the right one to join. Frankly if this career blows up on me faster than expected it's a route I'm strongly considering
Gl
What value would you bring with your skill set? Wouldn't those companies choose tech people over you? Since you have expertise in AM, why not explore other roles in the industry?
That's an option as well. I'm not actively looking to leave, it's a Plan B option. There are multiple plan B options out there too
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