SWE vs IB

So software engineering vs IB seems to be a common topic nowadays. I'm currently an undergrad looking at both of these careers and have been "preparing" for both. In terms of job stability, is SWE better than IB? Especially in times of recessions?

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I was in a similar boat, and I graduated with the opportunity to choose either SWE or IB/finance. The truth is that there is no right answer. The two are completely different in so many ways, and what matters more than stability/pay/prestige is your interest/competency in the field.

Careers are long things. Over time, you will see booms and busts in both finance and tech. The people who are at the top of both worlds are the ones who stick it through the bad times and the good times.

That being said, SWE is generally a more stable job than front-office finance roles.

 

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