Process for finding a hedge fund internship?

First things first, this is my first post on WSO (although I've lurked around for a while without making an account), so bear with me if I ask/say anything stupid or put this in the wrong place.

I'm currently a sophomore Electrical Engineering student, and I'm looking to find an internship with a hedge fund this summer if possible. Being that I'm an EE, most of the job search help/info I get is geared towards engineering/software jobs. However, I do have a really strong interest in finance, etc. and feel that I'm much more informed on the industry than most of my peers. I also know that hedge funds are becoming increasingly more quantitative, which is why I believe my engineering background/skillset is applicable to the industry.

I'm just not sure where to start, and what the typical approach is for finding a hedge fund internship (if they even exist). For example, I've spoken with recruiters from many IB and consulting firms, and even applied for positions with them. Hedge funds, however, seem to be more "elusive" (or I'm just not looking in the right places).

From what I've gathered, it seems that I'd need to find a specific hedge fund, and inquire directly on my own, cold-calling if you will.

FWIW, I have no preference on location, but I am from Northern NJ, so I'm aware of the fact that a lot of hedge funds are in NYC/tri-state area.

Anyways, I'm really just looking for someone to explain to me the process for actually finding a hedge fund internship.

Thanks!

 
Best Response

Large hedge funds do run structured internship programs (Citadel, D.E. Shaw, Bridgewater come to mind). Not sure if this corresponds to your profile/interests, but you should be able to find something with your EE background.

Make a list of all hedge funds within the areas you target and reach out to them one by one. If they don't take interns, ask them if they know of a fund that does. For example, I know of a stat arb fund that hires fall/winter/summer interns, but only on a word-of-mouth basis - so to get a shot you'd first have to put your face out there, and I think that's a good first step in general.

 

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