Associate -> HF/PE?

I recently started as an Associate and am starting to realize that I don't want to climb the banking career ladder.

It's obviously easier for Analysts to make the jump to buy side roles given the 2 years and out framework, but I was wondering if anyone had any insight how easy/difficult it is to make a similar jump from the Associate level? Thanks for the help.

17 Comments
 

Easier to move to a HF as an associate although I know associates/VPs at banks transition to PE so it is not impossible. Start to know the industry that you cover really well, the companies in that industry, the revenue/cost drivers, etc. You should be able to transition to a buyside firm within that specific industry.

Here are some tips for transitioning to a HF: The Step-by-Step Guide to Landing a Hedge Fund Job

 

Anything is possible. if you know you want to get into a certain field, then go for it. Just because you didn't follow the traditional path of Analyst-->Buyside doesn't mean that the buyside is closed off for you. Just means you have to work a little harder to break in.

I'm not going to sit here and say that no, because you are in a certain group you cannot break into the Buyside. It is all up to you, what you want and how badly you want it.

 

Hey - I am a first year analyst in a product group who is in the thick of PE recruiting. To your point in the article linked above, I am not recruiting for HFs at this time even though that is my long term goal. I want to develop some of the investing styles associated with PE (and also just become smarter) before hopefully making it to a HF. Does this plan make sense? And is it common> I gotta believe it is.

 
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