HF vs GE (

I’m a few interview processes (multi-strategy large hedge funds and desired sector-focused growth equity think similar size to Spectrum equity). Realizing they’re two completely separate exit opps and it should come down to industry preference, what do both of those look like on a comp, work life balance, and job security standpoint. Hedge fund obviously has less job security, thinking in a tough market where growth assets deteriorate that growth equity could have similar flaws? Any insight would be great

11 Comments
 

1. Obvious but think about whether you are interested in public markets. If you're asking this question, you probably don't have a strong preference and should learn towards GE

2. When you refer to large multi-strat HFs, are you referring to pods (Citadel, MLP, P72, etc) or multi-strategy funds like Elliott, DE Shaw, etc?

Thank you for the comment. I am interested in the public markets but more so from a macro perspective versus individual stock selection if that makes sense. 
 

I am referring to pods. Which would make being fascinated by the public markets much more of a priority. I think I would find earnings season and updating quarterly models to be quite laborsome. 

 
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I'd focus on getting the offers first but congrats on even getting into the processes given the challenge that is on its own. I've interviewed/been approached for a small HF looking to do crossover-style investing and MM growth equity fund recently so happy chime in. They're so different and so many posts already exist with solid rundowns of both, I think the more important place to start before going deeper is what are you looking for?

  • What are your personal long-term goals?
  • What type of work environment do you prefer? Do you even have a perspective on public vs private investing? 
  • If willing to disclose, what sectors are you looking to cover?
  • Are there additional variables like location relevant to the discussion? 
  • What is your personal position currently? e.g. are finances in a solid place? Wife/kids or other family effected by career decisions at this moment? 
"If you don't have any enemies in life you have never stood up for anything" - Winston Churchill | "It's a testament to the sheer belligerence of the profession that people would rather argue about the 'risk-adjusted returns' of using inferior tooth cleaning methods." - kellycriterion
 
PrivateTechquity 🚀GME+BBBYQ💀

I'd focus on getting the offers first but congrats on even getting into the processes given the challenge that is on its own. I've interviewed/been approached for a small HF looking to do crossover-style investing and MM growth equity fund recently so happy chime in. They're so different and so many posts already exist with solid rundowns of both, I think the more important place to start before going deeper is what are you looking for?

  • What are your personal long-term goals?
  • What type of work environment do you prefer? Do you even have a perspective on public vs private investing? 
  • If willing to disclose, what sectors are you looking to cover?
  • Are there additional variables like location relevant to the discussion? 
  • What is your personal position currently? e.g. are finances in a solid place? Wife/kids or other family effected by career decisions at this moment? 

Thank you! All three processes courtesy of headhunters. The two MM processes are largely TBD since they keep profile on file and float around to different teams so the GE one is active and completed the first round on Friday. 
 

I think both bring intriguing qualities that make it a rather difficult choice. Personal long-term goals is to eventually be at a place in my mid 30’s where I can have a family (wife + kids) be well enough off financially to pay for my kids tuition, be considered wealthy, and not have to worry about $ although that may not be practical. I’d also like to not be working myself to death like I am right now in my IB role lol. I think GE from that perspective being a principal would be incredibly intriguing. However the brand reputation of being at one of these large MM funds seems to good to pass up on? 
 

location strictly NYC. I’m in my first year of IB in a coverage role (not in NYC so also a priority). I’m a high performer (told was in the top 3 of my analyst class) but group won’t relocate me to NYC. Given that and lack of interest in IB long term looking to make move to buyside where this forum is now originating given the 3 processes I’m currently in. 

 

Your LT personal goals are achievable at either of these, but to be clear most of us will always worry about money. I have a friend at a MM clearing $600k+ on an "ok" year and he still gets in his own head about buying a house, won't even consider kids, yet he has the disposable income to do both and then some. Maybe the short-term nature of how he looks at investing given his role makes him more paranoid about the impact of a down year than the steadier comp you'd see in PE. Brand rep only matters to the extent you plan on jumping around, which if you go to a MM is much more likely to happen. GE could also have a good rep afaik so not something to overweight at this stage by any means. You didn't really opine on public vs private or the type of working environment you prefer which are kind of important details given these roles have incomparable investing styles/mindsets/how they view their respective landscapes.

"If you don't have any enemies in life you have never stood up for anything" - Winston Churchill | "It's a testament to the sheer belligerence of the profession that people would rather argue about the 'risk-adjusted returns' of using inferior tooth cleaning methods." - kellycriterion
 

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