GS front office quant to Hedge fund
Hello community.
I have spent 2 years as an analyst in a front office quant role at GS where we work on systematic market making of derivatives.
Before joining GS I was quite naïf about job market and had no idea that quant roles in the buy side pay much more and are much more alpha focused. I have developed the ambition to move to the buy side.
I don’t want to move ‘randomly’, first I want to get to a fund with a good name but I also want to get to understand the day to day and know the PM.
Even if there is less upside at GS the job is extremely cushy, there is growth potential and participation to desk pnl (albeit in a much smaller scale wrt pods).
Given this I’d like to be strategic about my move and would like to have advice about how to leverage resources like recruiters to get to talk to as many investment teams as possible to be able to find a job that I can be comfortable inferring I would like day to day.
Any advice or sharing of similar experiences is extremely appreciated.
Hey there,
Sounds like you're ready for a new adventure! Moving from a cushy job at GS to the buy-side can be quite a leap, but it's definitely doable. Here are a few tips based on the most helpful WSO content:
Networking: This is key. Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and make connections. You never know who might be able to help you land your dream job.
Recruiters: They can be a great resource, especially if you're looking for a job in a specific area. Make sure you're clear about what you're looking for and why you're interested in the buy-side.
Job Alerts: Set up job alerts on LinkedIn and on investment management firm’s career websites. This way, you'll be the first to know about new opportunities.
Cold Emailing: If you see a job you're interested in, don't be afraid to reach out to the hiring team directly. Attach your resume and a brief explanation of why you're interested in the role.
Be Open to Relocation: If you're open to moving, you'll have a lot more opportunities available to you.
Know What You Want: Before you start your job search, make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to do and why. This will make it easier for you to find a job that aligns with your career goals.
Remember, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Make sure you're moving for the right reasons and not just for a bigger paycheck. Good luck!
Sources: London Tier 1 Buyside Recruiters List, Q&A and Yet Another Post On How To Break Into The Buy-side, Looking for Recruiting Advice, Best Practices for Finding Lateral Opportunities
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