Path Dependency in Investing Careers

I started my career off at XZY bank in ABC product group. Am I able to recruit for XXX fund?

I did my summer internship in sales and trading. Can I recruit for L/S roles?

Can I switch from LO to L/S?

Can I go from MM SS ER to SM HF?

I always see these types of questions on WSO.

Hedge funds (and high finance jobs In general) are not some magical club where you must perform a secret ritual to get in. This is a job. There are skills needed to succeed.

It’s not that difficult. Finance has a very low technical bar. You can learn all you need in about a year if you study hard enough. Most everything you could learn for free.

In an industry where you only get paid for being unconventional, a lot of you are looking for conventional ways in.

If you are someone who wants it bad enough, you will find a way in regardless of background. What separates those who got seats is the ability to learn the skills, sell themselves + their story, and keep at it until they get a role.

There is no single magical path to your dream position. Work on making yourself a valuable employee. After that start applying for jobs. Apply for enough places and you will land a seat if you have the skills and can sell yourself.

I am a large believer in human potential and think that you can do anything if you set your mind to it. Don’t give up. Life is all about problem solving. The job hunt is just another problem.