PE --> HF or HF --> PE

I'm interested in pursuing a career in public equities, but I'm worried about the high-risk related to the field. Ideally, I would want to work at a multi-start hedge fund for a few years to test it out. However, I know that HF's are largely performance based and it's very easy to get fired. Therefore, I was wondering if there are solid backups if you are a failed hedge fund analyst at a multi-start (citadel, p72, balyasny, etc...). 

It seems like there's a popular pipeline from IB --> MF PE --> HF but can you go from HF --> PE?

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, the common career path is indeed from Investment Banking (IB) to Private Equity (PE) and then to Hedge Funds (HF). This is largely due to the structured nature of the recruiting process and the similarity in work between IB and PE.

However, it's important to note that transitioning from HF to PE might be a bit more challenging. This is because the skill sets required for PE and HF can be quite different. PE often involves a deep dive into companies, including due diligence and financial modeling, while HF roles can be more about trading and market timing.

That being said, it's not impossible to make the transition from HF to PE, especially if you've developed a strong skill set in analyzing companies and industries. But it's less common and might require more networking and effort to convince PE firms of your transferable skills.

As for having a backup plan, it's always wise to have one. If you're worried about the high-risk nature of HF, you might want to consider starting in PE. PE is generally considered a safer path at the moment, with a lot of dry powder to be spent, which provides job security for at least the next 4-5 years.

Remember, the best path for you will depend on your personal interests, risk tolerance, and long-term career goals. So, take some time to reflect on what you really want out of your career before making a decision.

Sources: Why do you go into PE only to go into HF, Benefits of PE prior to HF, IB->PE->HF or IB->HF

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Iure voluptas est voluptatibus et. At dolore omnis assumenda vel. Esse repellat velit rem modi voluptate. Qui architecto nihil fugiat atque.

Sed necessitatibus dolor voluptates. Voluptatem labore eius qui ut nemo illum.

Quae earum rem natus quos quia temporibus dolorem. Blanditiis libero et earum dicta tenetur. Qui qui et autem ab. Sequi exercitationem saepe non.

Eveniet ex qui tempora rerum repudiandae fuga mollitia. Nemo rerum adipisci ut et voluptatem quam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Point72 99.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 98.0%
  • AQR Capital Management 97.1%
  • Citadel Investment Group 96.1%
  • Magnetar Capital 95.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Magnetar Capital 99.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 98.0%
  • Blackstone Group 97.0%
  • Citadel Investment Group 96.0%
  • Two Sigma Investments 95.0%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Hedge Fund

  • AQR Capital Management 99.0%
  • Point72 98.1%
  • D.E. Shaw 97.1%
  • Citadel Investment Group 96.1%
  • Magnetar Capital 95.1%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Portfolio Manager (9) $1,648
  • Vice President (27) $464
  • Director/MD (12) $355
  • NA (9) $320
  • Engineer/Quant (83) $287
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (26) $284
  • Manager (4) $282
  • 2nd Year Associate (32) $253
  • 1st Year Associate (77) $193
  • Analysts (235) $177
  • Intern/Summer Associate (29) $145
  • Junior Trader (5) $102
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (277) $95
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”