High School Senior interested in HF
Hello, just discovered this site as it’s unblocked on my school computer. I’m currently at a slightly rural HS (majority going to trades/military/firefighting/etc) and I’ve come across HF super late, probably December of last year. Grades have always been high (3.9/4.0 UW, weighted 4.5/4, highest math class taken was Calc BC). Was pretty set on something like nutrition as a major but completely pivoted into statistics at a T10 public university. I’m not necessarily looking for help if my major is okay, as I’ve done enough digging to know “it doesn’t really matter.” I have to ask though, what does matter? I feel very far behind in terms of others considering the same path, and for better context I feel more interested in quant vs l/s or more traditional investing roles, although not totally off the table (currently binging the Point72 podcast and really enjoying it). I’m not looking for an easy shortcut, rather what I could do to either catch up or excel given the circumstances.
To excel and catch up as a high school senior interested in hedge funds (HF), particularly in quant roles, here’s what you should focus on:
Build a Strong Quantitative Foundation
Develop Financial Knowledge
Engage in Relevant Projects
Leverage Networking Early
Pursue Internships and Extracurriculars
Stay Curious and Informed
Plan for the Long Term
Remember, you’re not behind—many people discover hedge funds much later. By taking these steps, you’ll position yourself well for a future in the industry. Keep hustling, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or advice along the way!
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/dilemma-quantitative-finance-vs-finance?customgpt=1, Poor academic performance early on from low tier semi-target —> quant options analyst at reputable fund (story)., Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking, Q&A: 2nd Year REPE Associate, What College Major ??
Very far behind???? You’re in fucking high school. Statistics is great. Maybe double major in statistics and nutrition bc I think that would be a very unique background. HF out of school is a super right tail outcome, go for IB or equity research (and maybe if you excel then you can recruit for HF but tbh most of those spots are going to top 10 schools exclusively). Make a LinkedIn. Look at the college you plan to attend, see if there are any investment bankers. Get to college, join the finance club. Read the Rosenbaum and pearl investment banking book this summer, learn it inside and out. If you do everything I said above you will be in the top 10% of non nepotism freshman by default. From there, you find internships at a local investment bank or private equity or asset management or even wealth management. I just gave you all the steps, now it’s on you. Oh, and sign up for the Wall Street journal. Read the whole thing every day.
Have a lot of fun and work hard. Make sure all subjects you study and work towards are ones you enjoy /somewhat like.
don’t gambol too much
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