Tech or Finance?
Hi everyone,
I'd like to see an updated take on the tech vs finance debate given everything that's happened in the last year. Let's say I'm an undergrad at a target school who can code and understand finance, so technical knowledge is not a barrier. Which career should I pursue? Does the high income ceiling in finance outweigh the rough hours? Are you folks in IB/PE happy with where you are? Do you have any regrets? Finally, I'm hoping to hear from people who worked in both fields (engineering/product and finance). I know this is a rare demographic, but hoping someone is out there.
I know this has been covered ad nauseam on this forum but I'd really like to see some updates. Like many others, I'm on the fence and I feel the clock ticking for me to finally make a choice. I really appreciate the help.
DO WHATEVER THE FUCK YOU'RE THE BEST AT
.
Ok, but let's say I'm good at both. I have the technical/logical skills to nail coding interviews and the critical thinking skills for a career in investing. Kind of like a jack of all trades. Which is the better choice?
List the 3 things that matter to you the most about your career and choose the one that is closest to checking those 3 boxes.
In either field you can work hard and do well. Best of luck.
Thanks. Here's what matters to me most.
1. Having a multimillion $ net worth by my thirties for financial security. Both careers can provide this, finance with its very high salaries and potential for carried interest and tech for its high salaries and stock appreciation. I guess the question is, which one is better? Would I have a better shot by working up to carry in finance or by landing a spot at a high growth tech company that pays in stock? Any insights from people who know about the tech landscape?
2. Intellectually fulfilling work. Both finance and tech are interesting. I think the process of thinking critically about a company is cool, but engineering a solution to a tough problem is pretty cool too.
3. I want my own Wikipedia page. Or the closest thing possible. This is a very lofty goal, but a goal nonetheless. I want to do something great enough that people know who I am when they google me so I can run for office. Would this be through founding my own startup? Rising through the ranks of tech company I join? Working as an investor and having massive success? Joining the C-Suite of a portfolio company? Many people ask about the meaning of life, and I think fame and recognition is one of them for me. Call me narcissistic.
Ok you're delusional, you can definitely be a startup person
If you know coding and math, you have a options in both industries. I'm getting my CS masters and applying to jobs in data science, signal processing, machine learning, quant finance, and regular software. Even if every hedge fund and bank tells me to fuck off I'm still golden
Go to two sigma to do both and be paid like it
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