Early 20s Hedge Fund Professional Needs Career Advice
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Thanks! I really appreciate the response. That all makes sense, and seems consistent with what I have seen elsewhere.
Do you know anything about these “data scientist” roles at HFs that work under PM/specific desk? Are they equivalent to an “analyst” or more of a glorified data processor? Given my Python/Tableau skills, some of these look attractive, esp if bonus is on par with other members on the desk.
I would advise against going the BO/MO route. It would be as if you intentionally hit a golf ball into the bunker (if you don’t play golf, it’s basically the sand pit): it’s not impossible to get out, but it is fairly difficult for the average player.
What you’re describing sounds like a classic “two guys and a Bloomberg” type of shop. For recruiting purposes, I would advise you to highlight how “deep in the trenches” you were on all aspects of direct investing (everything from underwriting -> portfolio monitoring -> risk -> ops). Your wholistic experience would be viewed positively by many people (including myself - I personally like candidates who’ve crawled through shit and survived to tell the tale).
Also, go through your files and have a solid vjew on 3-5 names (whether you’re bullish or bearish on those, and why). If you have been as in the weeds as you described, you will for sure get questioned about that in an interview.
Good luck!
Thanks for that! That was actually hilarious, I didn’t know “two guys and a Bloomberg” was actually a thing on the Street. This comment made my day.
As someone who didn't manage to get a spot at an S&T desk, at first it looked like an attractive opportunity. Hedge fund right out of school and “tons of upside” when we grow. Little did I know not having grown by that point was the first red flag.
We are a macro shop, so most of my research is cross country/growth/inflation drivers, which I quite enjoy actually. If I was to interview for an equity shop I’d definitely do my DD on a few individual names tho.
I agree with the tips above expect one thing.
If I'm recruiting at another fund, i would not mention that I did BO/MO tasks. That may impact the perceived quality of your profile.
Not sure, although I know that Maverick has recently hired some H/S kids FT and SA who don't really understand accounting and how to even build a DCF... not sure what that says about them as a firm
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