Best finance path in 2026?
I'm curious to hear people's thoughts on what the highest ROI finance path is these days. I'm currently at MIT/Stanford, am on track for 4.0 GPA stem major, and am really undecided between pursuing private markets - IB/PE, or go into public markets - HF/quant. Looking at my current resume and skills, it seems like it would definitely be easier to get into a top bank or PE fund than a top HF/quant, but I feel like public markets allow for 1. a better WLB both short and long-term 2. more money to be made before the age of 30, which matters quite a bit to me. With regards to quant, I'm not cracked at maths or CS right now, but definitely have time to do a sizable lock-in before I apply for junior summer internships.
Would love to hear from people on both sides!
Voluptate ut repudiandae impedit sapiente enim. Praesentium similique omnis id possimus fugiat rerum autem consequuntur. Architecto consequatur sequi quo. Ut vero officiis voluptas libero iure nemo ab. Possimus sit iste aperiam dolore dolor unde est. Libero aut maxime culpa fuga qui possimus laboriosam. Porro ea omnis nostrum et sed.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...