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.
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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
Thoughts on if I'm not in a coverage group but rather a product group like Rx? Have a bias for the HF world if that helps, but open to whatever makes sense.
Should be able to move into generalist roles at distressed hedge funds/PE firms with a RX background. Just reach out to recruiters, network, etc.
Curious about an MBA associate coming from an M&A group..
+1 also curious
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.
Which product group out of curiosity?
Are you a post-mba Associate?
I am, yes. Worked in ER prior to the MBA.
I’m in the first year of my MBA and will be interning in IB this summer. Moving to a hedge fund is my long-term goal as well.
Just curious, what is it that you don’t like about being an associate?
Bump for more input!
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