As over the years, I have received a lot of help from many of you here (interview preparation, modeling training, etc.), I felt it was time to give something back. So, feel free to ask me anything! Brief background: BSc in Economics from a non-target UK university with 1st class. Started my career in Wealth Management investing in other funds on behalf of HNWIs. Quickly worked my way up and ended up running the Investment team. Then, I did an MSc in Finance from a top European Business School which landed me my current job at an L/S Hedge Fund. Having been on both sides of the fence, I'm open to questions of any nature, from investing and front office to the operations and infrastructure of a fund. Have also reviewed hundreds of resumes (in both roles) so any questions related to recruiting are welcome as well.
WSO Mentor
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I'd say it is very difficult. The majority of the big names out there require that a candidate has at least 2 years IB (M&A) experience or some form of transaction experience. My tip would be to try and target smaller funds that want to teach people themselves. From my experience, I have found that lots of smaller/ boutique funds are looking for people that are versatile and can occasionally perform various roles than just valuations for example. This means that even if you don't have direct transaction experience but know about financial modelling and public markets can get you through the front door. Also, it helps to have some form of personal portfolio of investments, even if that is with a demo account. When I interview people, I want to know whether they are truly passionate about investing and having a track record of investing (or monitoring) stocks that you can help a lot. It also helps to identify those candidates that literally study about a stock the night before the interview!
If I want to work for a L/S equity pod at a large MM(I am 14 rn) what steps should I take. I am already trading earnings, know how to model, code, etc. Is there an specific, non-general advice that is not very basic and something that anyone can tell me?
Fuck off, YOU HAVE NO CHANCE. I’m only 11yo and have already started my own fund with $400mm AUM after completing three internships by the time I was 9yo.
Then how are you an associate in IB? It is not even legal for anyone under 16 to be hired and I do not thing any big bank would be doing something like this
Am I even allowed to woosh a 14 year old?