FT HF recruiting reliant on networking like IB?

For programs such as Millennium's FT Equity Analyst 2026 and P72's Academy Investment Analyst Program, how much does networking play a part in landing an interview? I heard HF is more meritocratic than IB, but what about for recruiting FT after a SA internship in IB? I'm going to a MM IB this summer and want to recruit for HF out of my masters program, how should I go about this? 

Also, what is the best prep program for HF? And is there any programs that I should be weary of? I always see people bashing P72 academy on her so I want to be mindful.

Thank you for any responses!

3 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Doloribus repudiandae soluta aperiam rerum quaerat sint voluptate explicabo. Doloremque facilis nemo ab praesentium. Aspernatur aut architecto labore temporibus. Nam non expedita consequatur quia deserunt.

Ipsam libero debitis optio. At qui qui quo corrupti quis. Vel ad vero doloremque vel non. In voluptates doloremque ratione praesentium.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Point72 99.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 98.0%
  • Citadel Investment Group 97.0%
  • AQR Capital Management 96.0%
  • Magnetar Capital 95.0%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Magnetar Capital 99.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 98.0%
  • Blackstone Group 97.0%
  • Citadel Investment Group 96.0%
  • Two Sigma Investments 94.9%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Hedge Fund

  • AQR Capital Management 99.0%
  • Point72 98.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 97.1%
  • Citadel Investment Group 96.1%
  • Magnetar Capital 95.1%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Portfolio Manager (9) $1,648
  • Vice President (27) $464
  • Director/MD (11) $372
  • NA (9) $320
  • Engineer/Quant (83) $287
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (26) $284
  • Manager (4) $282
  • 2nd Year Associate (32) $253
  • 1st Year Associate (76) $193
  • Analysts (234) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (29) $145
  • Junior Trader (5) $102
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (276) $95
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”