How to become a hedge fund manager?

Question

I recently graduated from high school. I would like for this to be my career, what should I major in while I'm in college and how do I go about becoming a hedge fund manager. Also what is the average pay for a hedge fund manager. Any other information you could provide me with would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

The thing is in this particular career choice, the best schools and best training programs at top firms will only get you so far.

To be a hedge fund manager that is actually one of the succesful ones people talk about, you need to be able to trade well and beat the market averages day in and day out with a smaller beta (risk) than the market. This a truly rare skill which some peope will tell you is impossible due to efficient market hypothesis.

While it is not outright impossible, at least for short periods of time VERY few people can do it and THAT is why they get paid so much. So look to get into trading and get very talented at it. If you can make a couple of years of audited exceptional returns than the money will come to you pretty easily. Getting the returns is the hard part, and like I said there is simply no school or program for it , its something you need to pick up and learn on your own.

Answer 2

This person used to be a fund mgr -- a Top Contributor here:

http://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt...

Net Advisor

About me: College grad from a major private university:

Research in Behavioral Psychology & Communications

Prior - Business Administration, Finance (Unofficial Minor): Law

Other Interests (partial):

Market History & Market Psychology

Business & Consumer Law

Investigation

Support Law Enforcement and in re:

Report Internet and Financial Crimes,

Internet Scams, and Securities Fraud.

Financial Background:

Professional Trader (Since 1989)

Professional Private Asset Manager (Since 1995)

Financial Advisor, 401(k) & Retirement Planning Specialist w/ a major Wall Street firm.

General Securities Principle (Branch Manager/ Compliance Officer).

Registered Options Principle.

Licenses: NASD Series 4, 7, 24, 31, 63, 65 & Insurance.

Senior Portfolio Manager, Hedge Fund.

Investment Selection Committee, Hedge Fund.

Director of Communications, Hedge Fund.

Business & Financial Management Consultant.

Risk Management Consultant.

Real Estate Private Equity (short sales, foreclosure rescues & acquisitions).