Asset Management vs Banking for Eventual Hedge Fund

For someone who is ultimately pursuing a job at a hedge fund, which is the better path out of college? Banking, or research at a large AM like Fido, Wellington, T.Rowe? Would the latter have a more transferrable skillset?

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Class of '29 Sep 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

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“My meeting with Kevin Lee was super helpful and went well beyond what I originally expected. We met to discuss my LinkedIn profile, but the conversation also covered the hedge fund space and how I’m thinking about my career as a whole. I really appreciated being able to talk about both how I present myself professionally and the broader direction I want to take. As someone interested in hedge funds but also exploring other paths in finance, it was helpful to have a conversation that connected my profile to my actual interests and goals. Kevin gave me a lot to think about, and I left feeling clearer about my next steps. Overall, I really appreciated his time and willingness to go beyond the original purpose of our meeting.”

Class of '26 Sep 2026 Cohort

4.56/5

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“He was very responsive and prepared for the meeting. He actually read the JD, resume, and looked up linkedin which sometimes other mentors doesn't actually go over those to prepare things beforehand. I appreciate his direct comments I think it saved time and actually helped me to know exactly where to improve. I also appreciated him admitting if he doesn't know about specific HF strategy. Only thing I'd suggest for him is probably sending actionable key takeaways after the meeting because other mentors did and that was very helpful. ”

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3 Comments

harden4mvp

ST

7y

Anecdotally, I found recruiting for banking way easier and accessible.

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Authored by: Certified Sales & Trading Professional - 1st Year AnalystCertified Sales & Trading Pro

darthStrader

AM

7y

If difficulty of breaking in weren't a factor, which would be preferable for recruiting for hedge funds?

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Authored by: Certified Asset Management Professional - Research AnalystCertified Asset Management Pro

LeveredBetaBoy

CS

7y

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Authored by: Certified Corporate Strategy Professional - 2nd Year AssociateCertified Corporate Strategy Pro

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1	redever	99.2
2	Secyh62	99.0
3	BankonBanking	99.0
4	kanon	99.0
5	GameTheory	98.9
6	CompBanker	98.9
7	dosk17	98.9
8	Betsy Massar	98.9
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Asset Management vs Banking for Eventual Hedge Fund

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Asset Management vs Banking for Eventual Hedge Fund

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