Looking to break into a HF, how difficult with my background? (HSW JD/MBA, McKinsey, PE)
I’ve done a lot of soul searching and have decided to make the push into a hedge fund (qualitative - thinking event-driven, global macro, distressed, etc.).
I have a non-traditional background. After my JD/MBA at HSW I went to McKinsey for several years, then real estate PE. I’m in my early 30s and want to go all in on landing a HF gig.
How difficult would it be for me to break in given my background, and any tips? I’ve come to the realization that I’m most passionate about public markets and the macroeconomic factors that drive them. I want to give myself an honest shot in landing a spot, so any advice is appreciated
I personally think you have a target background. HWS is prestigious and its networking opportunities are exceptionally strong. Lots of guys in buy-side have come from consulting, and even JD.
That being said, timing and networking is really important. Right now it is finally getting better for the industry, so people are beginning to recruit more. Networking is pivotal - these guys will rarely advertise these positions on LinkedIn and other job boards. They mainly ask other industry friends if they know someone. So leverage your HWS background, get into contact with your friends or alumni or professors that know people. Get an opportunity to meet them.
And this is just for an interview. Once you get it, everyone is equalized. It becomes all about: a) can I work with this individual (the age-old “if I get stuck at the airport with this dude for hours, will I loathe the experience because of him?”) and b) can this person do the job successfully? Also, don’t lie. Not even the smallest lie imaginable. It will annihilate your chances if they catch it cause this business is all about trust
You’re in a good shape bro, leverage those HSW connections and use HHs to get yourself interviews, it’s very likely you’ll land quite a few with your background. Haven’t seen many REPE folk around but that could just be self selection, I’m sure if you’re well prepped for pitches and such that you’ll be good
Lmao you want us to tell you what you obviously already know, that you have a good pedigree? Won't make it long in the public markets if you need that much constant assurance.
Was a very basic question Re: how my background (regardless of how great you think it may be) would be viewed as I am pivoting.
Basically how the above poster reacted. You have a ton of pedigree and been in rooms few ever have been in. So people will wonder how serious you are, how long you want to be in HF world, what specifically interests you about public equities now.
Could be seen as a hired gun who can do deep research in RE sector or so using legal/pe background. Or could be seen as someone who wants a fast path to “sr analyst / sub-pm” who thinks HF life allows more control on their career than other roles. Stuff like that each conversation is going to be different.
Thank you all. I’m confident that I can sell myself and my background, particularly after all the input.
I guess the hardest part is getting my foot in the door, and I’m solely looking at Orange County where the shops are few and far between (LA if it’s a must). Does anyone have a list or contacts that I should reach out to?
dm me. basic advice would be to get very clear on what strategy you want to pursue. debt or equity? L/S? event-driven? fundamentals? to state the obvious, you'll have better success looking at something tied to real assets (e.g., RE debt, lodging / gaming / infra). you'll get the looks but ppl will want you to be VERY confident about (1) what you want to do, (2) why you want to do it, and (3) why you want to do it now. you won't be viewed as a baby analyst, so this will really matter. and to state the obvious, do the work up front -- sure you know plenty of people in those spaces. just don't wait until you're talking to an elliott or BREDS to decide who you want to be
I’m in repe and interested in a similar transition in NY (similar age, less pedigreed background, well known Re player in acquisitions), would be interested in chatting
Just starting out at McKinsey, would like to chart a similar course. Could you please dm me? Thanks.
If you are UK based, I've seen people from MBB work at the pods for L/S equity (MLP/Citadel) but they also did a stint in sellside equity research fwiw
Mind PMing me? Have some more Qs about this.
This is OP here - still on the search. Anyone know of any funds out in Orange County?
'Non-traditional background' - literally HSW, McK, REPE 😂
You can't be serious
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