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
Really?
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?
Just get a high chair and you should be right
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.
Are these measurements barefoot or in dress shoes? I just might be able to crack middle office if you let me keep the shoes on!
Does this mean the Asia offices are full of back office folks?
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.
No, short guys look like they put on muscle quick. People generally put muscle on at about the same rate but it looks like it goes faster on a short person because it's not spread out quite as much. There's a reason the record-holding strongmen and powerlifters are all fuckin' giants.
yes but the bulkier they get the shorter they look. how they don't see that while they flex in the gym mirror, I do not know. :)
When you're as short as OP, the more muscular you get the shorter you look.
LLoyd Blankfein and Michael Bloomberg are both around 5'6 I think, so no height doesn't really matter.
As is Steve Schwarzman. I think this kid will be fine.
Think Henry Kravis is short too.
Also, Jamie Dimon is like 5-10 tops
No.
i think more so you won't make it because you're dumb enough to ask this
not trying to be a dick but come on guy
This!! ... BTW.. I personally know a dude who is probably 5'1" (definitely not more than 5'2") who got into IB a few years ago post-MBA and is still going strong. He is among the top 5 jerks I have known in the past few years (no kidding) but the above point still stands...
Sounds like he has 'little man syndrome'
It's the finance industry, not an amusement park ride. They don't have a sign that says "You must be at least this tall to........."
Not true. Everyone at GS runs a 4.3 40 and is 6'5" 250.
Damn I knew it wasn't an exaggeration that you have to look like Jadaveon Clowney to get a GS offer.
I guess I was misinformed. Do they have a combine to test all the applicants?
I mean why do you think the job description of "must be able to live 10-15 lbs. during a work day" is for?
Better put down the 400 questions guide and stock up on some hgh bro, that's the only real way you're making it to 6'4 Buyside BSD greatness
Only chance he has is if he gets to 240 pounds at 5'7" and 8% body fat. Bulge Brackets run like the heavyweight division.
There is way more of a subconscious bias against fat people than short people. Height is pretty negligible as long as you aren't literally a midget.
Fucking manlets
Plenty of shorter people in finance. Not an issue.
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.
Ruth Ginsburg is 5'1 and was admitted to the supreme court. You too can be a supreme court justice.
Yoda is 2'2 and is a master Jedi. You too can be a master Jedi.
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
Ha yeah guilty, you sound like you have a feminine voice.
at 6'5" i can be a menacing warrior or if i take that same frame and put it into a bespoke suit, perfectly groomed, great manners, great conversation and a big bright smile I can charm with the best of them. it's called projecting authority. it hasn't failed me yet. i bet you have to work a whole lot harder for the same attention. nut being judgmental but simply stating facts.
Completely agree brah, much easier no doubt. But work with what you can, right?
You're everything that's wrong with the street. "I've met with Jeff Bezos dad and held my own in an industry that feeds on it's own young." What the fuck is that even supposed to mean? You sound like what a high school dipshit imagines "Wall Street" being like. "Self-actualize"? What the hell is that? Enjoy pwm buddy
Feeds on its own young? Prax tell how private bankers and bank tellers are so cut throat
OP is definitely, definitely, DEFINITELY trolling.
So many tells here.
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
Yeah I mean at the very least he'd be a giant at Jefferies
I can confirm.
At least you can tag along with your MD in his back pocket on roadshows.
I know a guy who's like 5'3 he broke in out of a non-target. If you are short and insecure you won't make it but if you're short and confident then you should be fine! It's all about confidence
the only issue I foresee is you'll have a hard time peeking over that chinese wall
the Big Short hehe
How this falls into any other category other than the misc blows my mind...this site could have so much potential so many gainz to be had
No Dartmouth COLLEGE guy would call it "University."
TROLL
I'm a Visa student from Turkey, and it was just a silly error. We refer to colleges as universities over there and its just the frame of reference I used. I'm not trying to troll anyone, this is a serious question.
How about height for ladies?
@Aerbil99 Bro chill. No one cares about your height. Its a fuck all serious misconception you are having there. I know you are really serious about this but no one cares about your height. Just be smart, work smart and you can get anywhere and everywhere in the world of finance.
Seriously, height doesn't matter, your confidence, likability and skills do though.
I run a multi-billion Dollar "long/short" equity hedge fund. I am hiring for our "small"-cap analyst, please feel free to apply.
It is a fundamental rule of finance that one abides' by the 'three threes' phenomena.
If you do not have experience with, or fall out of the criteria outlined in the three three phenomena, you have 0% success at poppin' bottles, and/or, gettin' models.
3 Schools - Harvard, Yale, Princeton (duh) 3 Entry-Level IBs - Goldman Snacks, Morgan Stanley, Evercore (duh) 3 Entry-Level Consultant Firms - MBB (duh) 3 MBA Programs - Harvard, Wharton, Stanford (duh)
And finally the most important of the three threes is listed below. Unfortunately for you, my friend, you do not fit the mold.
Height of 6 foot 3 inches (or more) Played 3 sports in high school Family total liquid assets must exceed $3,000,000
Buddy went to a non-target. Is 5'4" on a good day. Currently at Goldman in NY.
Your ability to make it in the industry will depend primarily on your grades, school, networking ability, fit, and some luck. With that said, many studies have concluded that taller people tend to make more money, and are viewed as being more confident and successful. You can also look at the demographics on Wall Street and conclude that there has been some history of bias in hiring (race, gender, etc.).
This should not deter you though. My best friend is the VP at a top BB (he's 5'8") and several other friends are in positions ranging from associate to director at top BBs (heights ranging from 5'6" to 6'2"). You are still at the beginning of your career, and you are doing the right thing by asking questions. Most of the time, "the only stupid question is the question that is never asked." Leverage the communities on sites like WSO to get feedback from community members and learn how to break into the industry.
Parting Joke: If all else fails, go to a boutique in Boston. Tell them you're the Isaiah Thomas of finance. We can call you The King of the Quants (Game of Thrones reference).
Good luck!
If it makes you feel any better, I have been trying to get my foot into IB for an year and haven't been able to achieve it yet PS: I'm 6'4
Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they’re gonna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period. - The Pursuit of Happyness
Read this. And remember this.
Being a manlet will only hold you back if you let it. Be proud of being a manlet!
I'm 5'3 and went from a non target to a top MM PE Fund with interviews at BB.
I don't want to hear anymore whining from you spoiled cry baby rich kids.
Keep it up. We will take everything you have.
Do you sit on MD's lap during meetings?
He only does when they don't have any booster seats available
It's true. I'm 6'3" and I've been directly hired as associate by Bulge Bracket fresh out of college without interviewing.
Well, apparently you test well. Now you have four years to find some common sense around campus somewhere. Stop worrying about shit that doesn't matter...If you're smart enough to get into a school like Dartmouth, you should be smart enough to not let someone get the best of you like this. Hit the books and get a social life...you're a freshman in college, so go drink beers and meet some girls...stop spending your time sweating about shit on WSO and what some neanderthal told you in class because he knew he'd get a rise out of you.
plenty of hobbits in finance
87 posts from a troll... this is the kind of work I miss.
In the 1% chance you are being serious this is an industry with significantly above average representation of Jews, Indians, and Asians. I'm guessing 5'7'' is slightly above average for the demographics.
Et error ut nihil culpa. Inventore sed qui ea ipsum totam ut nisi fugiat. Praesentium voluptas et molestias aut.
Sint excepturi unde corporis at eligendi magni. Ea sit alias praesentium quo. Repellat ipsum culpa tempora reprehenderit quam a nam. Nihil magnam quia et molestias quia rerum quaerat. Eveniet debitis voluptatibus eveniet necessitatibus asperiores hic. Vel minus et sapiente praesentium. In nihil eveniet ut officia atque.
Dicta eius sunt sed id. Accusamus nulla sed perspiciatis. Porro voluptatem ea autem eligendi dolor. Est libero quos itaque nostrum non. Doloribus aut sit et ullam placeat. Tempora reprehenderit autem fuga tenetur sit expedita dicta delectus.
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...
Sed corporis adipisci quae aut iusto. Maxime laudantium eveniet id a voluptatem quidem fugiat aut. Possimus veniam cumque ducimus inventore autem perspiciatis sit. Non ad quo dolorum deserunt. Fugit quas molestiae rerum ad perferendis nostrum. Molestiae dignissimos ab doloribus et delectus accusantium beatae ipsam.
Consequatur sunt eum sit dolores. Voluptate ea voluptatibus omnis dolorem ab non accusamus. Facere nihil praesentium voluptatem quo modi quisquam. Praesentium maxime distinctio aspernatur. Accusamus soluta nihil esse fugit numquam ipsam earum. Quasi sit delectus atque praesentium ut consequuntur eos.
Vero minus saepe cupiditate illum optio voluptatibus enim nam. Enim assumenda quis quisquam non. Adipisci id nesciunt rem sunt. Eaque delectus accusamus aut ut quidem. Dicta amet quidem nobis iusto modi dolores. Omnis aut aut quis similique illo quia. Blanditiis sequi autem qui necessitatibus qui consequuntur ducimus.
Voluptas temporibus cum maxime non. Rem quasi non eum voluptatibus nobis et nihil. Voluptatem voluptas quia deleniti doloremque.
Corporis minima aut sit tempore. Laborum provident fuga molestiae atque. Corrupti doloremque vel ea quas eum quis vero quia.
Sint expedita quam et nemo non veniam accusantium iure. Impedit quod aut laboriosam nihil. Debitis ut veritatis voluptatum. Tempore quos facilis qui dolorem corrupti.
Laboriosam consequatur quo et repudiandae natus veniam. Possimus ad sunt sint eveniet sit. Ad debitis enim enim neque architecto. Aliquid odio asperiores nostrum cumque. Officiis explicabo sit nisi pariatur dolorem. Facere aut sed hic iusto amet ut.
Dolorum consequatur aperiam illum laborum sunt sequi recusandae. Nesciunt velit facere illum maxime voluptate atque.
Et repellat iure ut eum. Corrupti reiciendis eos dolorum quo.
Ut omnis quos alias voluptatem cumque quasi. Iste temporibus vitae alias dignissimos saepe. Iusto velit commodi qui voluptatem dolores.