IB Healthcare -> HF Healthcare

Hi all,

Posting on here to bounce some ideas and for advice.

I have a medical/healthcare background and currently an IB analyst in healthcare. I chose IB for optionality but sometimes do wish I did ER looking back as I enjoy writing, researching, speaking about my investment ideas and backing them up. During college, I published equity research style reports and won trading simulations on campus and internships too (although I think a large part of it was luck and it was quite a relaxed setting, nothing too serious).

Over the past few months, I’ve been approached by 4 large multi-managers, with one pod personally reaching out twice. These were for a range of verticals (med tech, biotech, etc.) At the time, I didn’t even know that going from IB to a HF was very possible at such a junior level, nor did I think I’m at the technical level to be interviewing and going through the processes and killing my chances of trying again. I basically ended up saying thanks but want a bit more technical experience in IB before making a move and agreed we’ll reconnect in 6 months to a year’s time

I wanted to ask if anyone on here did the IB -> HF route, or where is best to start and develop a solid foundation of the public markets, different strategies, and anything else that would be useful. Would a move to PE or ER after 2 years in IB be a better move prior to starting a HF career? I also have a virtual portfolio and select stocks that I like and believe will grow. While it’s doing good, it isn’t anything comprehensive. Open to feedback on whether this is good practice and if there’s anything else you might have advice on this part.

I’ve also found it much easier to connect with those in IB, PE, GE and VC, to talk about their career and motivations, and that has really helped me in getting into IB and know what I was signing up to, as well as PE recruiting (although this is still early days). Have people managed to do the same for those in HFs? I can’t imagine they have much time to talk or meet someone for a short time due to the nature of their role, and can also imagine those in ER and S&T at IBs have a good idea of what a career at a HF is like anyway. I would love to chat to anyone on here and is willing to let me PM them to ask them some questions, please. Thank you for reading!

16 Comments
 

Need more detail to be helpful. Do you have an undergrad medical background or advanced degrees? What is the focus of your work in ib right now. Are you spending more time in biotech/pharma or tools/services/medtech?

Its entirely possible to go straight to hf in healthcare and frankly recommended unless you are going to be services or late stage medtech focused.

 

Thank you! Sure. I have an undergraduate medical background, a good amount of clinical experience and a small stint in clinical research.

My work is definitely a lot more focused on biotech and pharma. Combination of that’s where I get staffed the most as it’s easier stuff to understand out of the juniors and my firm generally doesn’t cover medtech or tools, which works for me as it’s the vertical I enjoy the most. Anything else would be services and that makes about 10% of my staffings.

I have wondered about doing a masters in the health sciences again for career purposes and enjoyment, though probably not any time soon.

 

Hey man, I was curious to hear if you had any updates regarding your situation. I also chose IB over ER (admittedly regret it a bit) but am extremely interested in biotech/hc focused hedge funds. I was wondering if you were able to make the move and if you had any advice.

 

That's great to hear it worked out for you! I'd love to DM to learn more. 

I'm replying with my non-anonymous username, so please send me a message if possible. It seems WSO does not allow me to DM you since your comment was done anonymously.

 

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