I’ve seen a lot of advice that around 2 years of SS ER is when most of the people switch to pods. When I do LinkedIn searches, it seems like a large chunk, if not the majority, move after 4-5 years. Is the recruiting window expanding and does that mean there is less likely to be a cutoff where x amount of years on SS is too much?
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Based on previous WSO threads, here's what you need to know:
Recruiting Timeline: While there is advice suggesting that around 2 years of sell-side equity research (SS ER) is a common time to switch to hedge funds (HFs), LinkedIn searches indicate that many professionals make the move after 4-5 years. This suggests that the recruiting window may indeed be expanding.
Flexibility in Experience: The variation in years of experience before transitioning to hedge funds implies that there isn't a strict cutoff. Professionals with different levels of experience are making successful transitions, which could mean that the industry is becoming more flexible regarding the ideal time to switch.
Market Dynamics: The dynamics of the job market and individual career paths can influence the timing of such transitions. Factors like market conditions, personal career goals, and the specific needs of hedge funds at any given time can all play a role.
In summary, while 2 years is often cited as a common time to switch, the reality is that many professionals move after 4-5 years, indicating a broader and more flexible recruiting window.
Sources: Will recruiting ever stop accelerating?, Recruitment Set Back To "Normal", https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/will-2020-recruiting-ft-and-sa-be-accelerated-or-be-more-relaxed?customgpt=1, Recruiting is straightforward?, WSJ: Goldman, JP Morgan Hit Pause on Intern Recruiting Madness
Bump
Just depends what the PM is looking for. With 2 years of exp, you're probably an associate or Senior associate. With 4-5 years you've probably taken lead coverage on names and can join a pod at an analyst level since you've proven you know how to cover names. Also, 4-5 years gets you way more networking opportunities with the buyside and if you can talk intelligently about names, you're a more attractive candidate.
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