I have been told that I can't make it into the finance industry (HF, VC, PE, etc.) because of my height?
Hello everyone,
I am a freshman attending Dartmouth - majoring in economics. I am focusing my future on finance, whether it be working at a hedge fund or private equity. But I've read and have been told a few times that I won't be able to make it in the industry because of my height. I am 5'7. It's not tall but its not really that short either. Is this a misconception, or should I really just focus on something else worth my time and effort. This is really serious - I am not trying to troll anyone.
Thank you,
Your absolutely right boom
This comment had me cackling at my desk . . . also how did this thread make it to the front page?
just so my reputation isn't varnished, i dont add every post to the frontpage, funny discussion though so i asked to have it bumped to the top
ps this post has almost 3k+ views (one of the top viewed of the week), lots of short guys sweating out there for a moment when they read the title
manlets when will they learn?
Don't worry you'll do just fine in the finance industry. Our BB has the following rules for all new recruits:
6"+ = Front Office 5"8 - 5"11 = Middle Office Under 5"8= Back office
I hear back office pay is quite good these days.
Is this US specific? What about UK offices?
Sorry I should have said these are US numbers only. For the U.K. Just subtract 8 inches per each tier.
In all seriousness, whoever told you this is an asshole. If he/she is a classmate, politely sock them in the face and get on with your day.
This. Short guys put on muscle quick. Get beefy and hit em hard.
LLoyd Blankfein and Michael Bloomberg are both around 5'6 I think, so no height doesn't really matter.
i think more so you won't make it because you're dumb enough to ask this
Not true. Everyone at GS runs a 4.3 40 and is 6'5" 250.
I guess I was misinformed. Do they have a combine to test all the applicants?
Fucking manlets
How the fuck did you get into Dartmouth? You stare into a computer all day, you're not trying to sink sky hooks over DeMarcus Cousins...
You must expand horizontally to establish physical dominance. Consume everything In sight.
You've really got to hand it to short people. Because they often can't reach it.
Hey man, you're suffering from a crisis of confidence. Drop it or drop off Wall Street, point blank.
I'm 5'6" and work in Private Wealth Management on a team that manages over 500 mil. I've met with Jeff Bezos dad and held my own in an industry that feeds on it's own young. Height is only an issue as long as you allow it to be. If I seem abrasive here, it's because I've gone through the exact same thoughts repeatedly until I overcame them.
I started as a teller at Wells Fargo and always told myself even though I was better than half these hacks and knew more than most of these schlubs, my height would hold me back--and it did.
This was until I realized finance values intellectual capital above raw muscle. Once you realize this and truly internalize it, you'll self-actualize and propser. If anything, at least in my industry, a lack of height can be a strength if wielded properly.
See, tall muscular motherfuckers are inherently intimidating--great if you're a warrior, terrible if you're trying to charm (which we are). So play up the lack of height by using friendliness instead of a Napoleon complex and you'll excel.
Hope this helps.
Lol you sound short
Agreed. Dartmouth University? The fuck?
You know those little stands at Disneyland/carnivals that say "you must be this tall to ride"? They have those outside the conference rooms on superday. Helps them a lot in trimming down the candidates.
GS/MS tend to be higher (6'+), but I think 5' 7'' you should be fine with Deutsche/UBS. Networking helps and if you can show bankers your sense of humor, they'll be more lenient because funny midgets are awesome
At least you can tag along with your MD in his back pocket on roadshows.