How to break into hedge funds? Where to send CV? (PhD Math + ML background)
Hi everyone,
I’m trying to break into quantitative hedge funds and I’d appreciate some guidance.
My background:
- PhD in Mathematics
- 5 years of university research + teaching
- Master in Machine Learning (Python, ML, stats, optimization)
- Currently working on an alpha signal research project (systematic strategies)
I’m struggling to understand where to apply and which hedge funds actually review unsolicited CVs. I am just sending my Cv to the offers on Linkdin, but seems difficult to get interviews.
Are there specific websites, platforms, or direct application links that quants use to get interviews?
Also, what is usually the recommended path for someone with my background to enter the quant HF space?
Any advice, insights, or suggestions, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
To break into quantitative hedge funds with your strong academic and technical background, here’s a structured approach based on the most helpful WSO content:
1. Targeting the Right Hedge Funds
2. Where to Send Your CV
3. Recommended Path for Your Background
4. Tips for Getting Noticed
5. Additional Resources
By combining direct applications, networking, and showcasing your technical expertise, you’ll increase your chances of landing interviews. Good luck!
Sources: So you want to be a Quant?, For those who landed as a quant with only undergrad degree, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/ib-vs-quant-salaries-quality-of-life-etc?customgpt=1, MIT vs. Princeton vs. Yale undergrad for quant hedge fund, Path to Quantitative Trader at Hedge Fund
LinkedIn applications rarely work IMO they are just there to remind people that the firms have job openings. You have pretty solid experience. Have you talked to anyone in the HF industry? Few names that come to my mind are Citadel securities, Point72, Millennium, TwoSigma, DE Shaw, Man Group, etc. you also have pure prop shops like JaneStreet, Hudson Rivers and Optiver who use their own capital. You can go to their Careers page to look at the openings.
Thanks for your answer.
Just to clarify — what do you mean exactly by “talking to people in the HF industry”?
I don’t personally know anyone in hedge funds.
I’ve tried reaching out to a few quants and traders on LinkedIn but most of them don’t reply.
Should I message a large number of people across different HFs and introduce myself, or is there a more effective way to do it?
Right now I’m also applying directly on the career pages of several hedge funds, but I’d really appreciate any specific advice on how to approach people in the industry or connect with the right profiles.
Thanks again for your guidance!
Yes you need to network more broadly. Next question
Find hitters that wrote investor notes / white papers / quoted in articles and write physical letters while also toning down the autism.
Bro you gotta talk to any school alum, friends of friends, people you met at networking events, info sessions, headhunters. It's networking 101 like in undergrad internship recruiting or for any other industry/life in general.
Agree with the other comments above. You really need to catch a wide net and network as much as you can. Cold emails/linkedIn requests all work but usually only a few will reply. Most of the people will be strangers but it's better than nothing.
PDT and Quadrature accept unsolicited CVS IIRC
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