Mid sized pod fund vs tech internship
Hi everyone,
I'm a PhD student in a quantitative field and have been fortunate enough to receive several offers. One is for a quantitative research role at a mid-sized multi-strategy hedge funds (think MW, Verition, AQR), and the other is for data science positions at top tech companies (think FAANG).
I'm generally more enthusiastic about the quantitative finance opportunity, but its summer total compensation is significantly lower. I'm wondering if sacrificing the higher pay and broader opportunities in tech is worthwhile for the specialized experience at the fund—and if that experience could help my full-time hunt at a top company later on.
I’d really appreciate any advice you might have. Thanks!
I have a close friend who just finished his PHD. He worked for a top research institute/thinktank and one of the big quant firms (think 2Sig, DE, Bridgewater, AQR) beforehand. Recently moved back into the HF world working for one of the top quant firms, had offers from Citadel and the like as well as some FAANG-type firms given his area of study was AI. He chose finance because he regretted the opportunity cost of the PHD (he'd be worth a few million more by now easily if he'd stayed at Two Sigma) and made his decision based on the LT earning potential of quant finance + a smaller, more intimate environment with his colleagues + a personal connection. Tech might offer more at the door, but if you're able to perform you will almost certainly make more in the HF/quant route. All this is to say this comes down to whether or not you want to bet on yourself to make up for lost earnings time in a place that only cares that you make money or you prefer the larger corporate route and are comfortable dealing with bureaucracy.
both are excellent offers - well done!
i’m super interested in top ml/ds research roles but idw hack through a phd to get there - have a family member doing a ml phd (oxbridge/ivy) and doesn’t look like something i’d be happy doing (constant grind for publications etc) trading/quant seemed similar work and money but accessible out of undergrad so choose that route .
in terms of the firms u listed - have a mate at MW and it’s definitely a great shop . verition is a pod shop so completely PM dependent ( had an offer there) aqr ik less about but i think its quite academic
either way all are good shops (depending on the pm if verition) and u can definitely make a ton in those asw move to 2sig/deshaw etc later on if that’s ur aim
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