Anyone try to pivot from Wall Street to being an engineer?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, there are examples of individuals who have successfully pivoted from finance roles, including Wall Street, to engineering or tech-related careers. Here are some insights:

1. Background and Transition:

   • Some individuals transitioned from roles like sell-side equity research or corporate finance into software engineering. For example, one person shared their journey from working in equity research during the 2008 financial crisis to becoming a software engineer, building web applications using platforms like Ruby, JavaScript, and Postgres DB.
   • Another example includes someone who transitioned from a BB SA (bulge bracket summer analyst) role to a big tech engineer after realizing that banking wasn't the right fit for them.

2. Education and Skills:

   • While some had prior exposure to technical fields (e.g., information systems or engineering degrees), others did not need to go back to school to retrain. Instead, they leveraged self-study, online courses, or bootcamps to build the necessary skills.
   • Highlighted skills include programming languages, database management, and web development.

3. Challenges and Considerations:

   • The transition often requires a significant investment in learning technical skills and building credibility in the new field.
   • Networking remains crucial, even in tech, to land opportunities and demonstrate cultural fit.

4. Motivations for the Pivot:

   • Dissatisfaction with the finance lifestyle, such as long hours and lack of fulfillment, was a common driver.
   • The appeal of a more balanced work-life dynamic and the intellectual challenge of engineering or tech roles also played a role.

If you're considering this pivot, it might be worth exploring coding bootcamps, online resources, or even part-time projects to test your interest and aptitude in engineering. Networking with professionals who have made similar transitions can also provide valuable guidance.

Sources: Transitioning from tech to a serious finance job (yes, you read that right), Q&A: Sell Side Equity Research to Software Engineer, Technology IB Coverage Group - Exits, Interview Preparation, etc., 2nd Year Analyst Lost at Sea