What is the best major for a l/s equity career?

Curious given the shift from SM's to MM's, increasing prevalence of data analysis, HF's looking for Python skills even for fundamental seats, and the potential for going into quant strategies. If you could choose your college major today in preparation for a career in l/s equity, would you choose to major in something like computer science, or in another major where you can get a higher GPA?

8 Comments
 

Ah, the age-old question of the best major for a career in long/short equity. Based on the most helpful WSO content, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your interests and where you see yourself fitting in the industry.

If you're interested in the increasing prevalence of data analysis and the potential for going into quant strategies, a major in Computer Science or Data Science could be beneficial. These majors would provide you with a strong foundation in Python and other programming languages, which are becoming increasingly important in the finance industry.

On the other hand, if you're more interested in the fundamental analysis side of things, a major in Finance, Economics, or Business could be more beneficial. These majors would provide you with a strong understanding of financial markets and business principles, which are crucial for any career in finance.

Remember, your major is just one piece of the puzzle. Internships, networking, and extracurricular activities are also important factors that can help you break into the industry. So, choose a major that you're passionate about and that aligns with your career goals. And don't forget to have some fun along the way! After all, even us monkeys need to let loose every once in a while.

Sources: What College Major ??, Career for math major?, Best college major for IB at Ivy?

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

I was an Econ major, it wasn’t that helpful/relevant, but some of the frameworks definitely were. Definitely.

I’d say if your school doesn’t have finance, i’d pick Econ, math / stats, CS or something truly technical (only if interested) such as Chemistry or physics (to become super semi analyst haha). Know a guy that did that, he’s quite sharp. Issue is harder course subject so your grades may such which will make it hard to recruit

 

Aut voluptatem eaque qui error harum error. Iusto autem odit et maxime vel necessitatibus quia. Ullam dolor harum soluta iste nesciunt repellendus. Eius facere voluptate sequi suscipit ratione omnis illum facere.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Hedge Fund

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

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Magnetar Capital 99.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 98.0%
  • Blackstone Group 97.0%
  • Citadel Investment Group 96.0%
  • Millennium Partners 95.0%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Hedge Fund

  • AQR Capital Management 99.0%
  • Point72 98.1%
  • D.E. Shaw 97.1%
  • Citadel Investment Group 96.2%
  • Magnetar Capital 95.2%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Portfolio Manager (9) $1,648
  • Vice President (27) $464
  • Director/MD (12) $423
  • NA (9) $320
  • Engineer/Quant (86) $288
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (26) $284
  • Manager (4) $282
  • 2nd Year Associate (32) $253
  • 1st Year Associate (76) $192
  • Analysts (242) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (29) $145
  • Junior Trader (5) $102
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (282) $96
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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”