Making a choice on which field to start in
Currently a rising sophomore, I know I want to go into finance. I just don’t know which area. I am currently an analyst in two nationally-recognized student-run investment funds. This has definitely sparked an interest in AM/ER. However, IB also is attractive for me for the exit opportunities into the buy-side. I’m someone who definitely prioritizes their physical well-being and mental well-being. Nothing can come before that. I know each area of finance has their trade-offs. Has anyone else who is either a few years post-undergrad or even well into their career ever experienced this sense of indecisiveness while trying to pick a starting point in their career? If so, how’d you deal with it and ultimately come to a decision?
Hi smh03, just trying to help:
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You're welcome.
Why are you indecisive? If those are your options, the skills overlap quite a bit. I would aim for IB/ER and be indecisive only once I got offers. Neither should close the AM door for you early on, whereas the other way around it might happen.
Disclaimer: Also a student
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Yes, this is incredibly common. Most people aren't born wanting a certain career, IB is a popular choice because there are a ton of options after your 2 years and you can buy some time figuring out what career path is right for you.
I think AM is an underrated and very interesting career, but it's quite difficult to get into. Very few seats and it's not like IB where it's a networking-based meritocracy... a lot of the applications are only posted at top target schools. I would apply for both that and ER - if you don't get AM you can start in ER and move over to AM/HF.
Personally if you're not set on IB/PE/~deals~ and not interested in killing yourself at work, I think the AM/ER path is a good one. IB -> PE isn't like you suffer for two years and then enter the promised land, PE is still a ton of hours. ER at least you know exactly when earnings is and otherwise your life is not too bad.
I appreciate this response, super helpful. If I went into IB though I would most likely like to exit into corporate development or private credit though. Haven’t done much research into how many hours a week those are, but I’m sure not quite as bad as PE?
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