Do recruiters value side projects?

Do you think they would value projects that have been made independtly, like for exemple:

-having a tradingview profile with few thousands followers -being labelled "Rising Talent" on upwork (top 5% freelancers) with a gig in accounting -being funded by propfirms like FTMO

And other side projects like biblical studies for exemple.. as I'm right now in Jerusalem since 1 year.

Do you think it compensate for someone who had mainly an online learning path (diplomas obtained through online courses, altough from Ivy league schools)? Or am I "doomed" to be a lone wolf stacking big piles of cash through his business?

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, recruiters do value side projects, especially if they are relevant to the field you're applying to. Having a tradingview profile with thousands of followers, being labelled "Rising Talent" on Upwork in accounting, or being funded by prop firms like FTMO can certainly make your application stand out. These achievements show initiative, expertise, and real-world experience, which are all highly valued in the finance industry.

As for your biblical studies, while it might not directly relate to finance, it could still be a point of interest that sets you apart from other candidates. It shows you have a broad range of interests and a commitment to continuous learning.

Regarding your online learning path, the world is increasingly recognizing the value of online education. If you've obtained diplomas from Ivy League schools through online courses, that's still a significant achievement. It's all about how you frame these experiences in your application and interviews.

However, it's important to remember that while these projects and achievements can enhance your application, they should not be the sole selling point. They are most effective when complemented by strong networking, interview preparation, and a clear demonstration of your understanding of the industry and role you're applying to.

And hey, being a "lone wolf stacking big piles of cash through his business" doesn't sound too bad either! It's all about finding the path that suits you best.

Sources: Differentiating yourself for hedge fund recruiting (post-IB), https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/consulting/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-when-i-started-consulting?customgpt=1, S&T Recruitment 2011: An Applicants Story, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/hedge-fund/recruitersheadhunters-vs-applying-directly?customgpt=1

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

Nisi quam porro et deleniti. Exercitationem laboriosam repellendus ut laborum asperiores. Expedita nihil voluptas aperiam in saepe. Deserunt sed repellat consequatur eos odio iusto. Enim consequuntur unde animi.

Doloremque repellat aut corrupti labore. Corrupti dolorem perspiciatis maxime optio sit enim et. Et libero et vero in sed.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (71) $101
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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”