How to start a career in hedge funds?

Question

What would you get a degree in/college major? What companies could you work for?

Answer 1

A degree in finance is obviously the most straightfoward way to approach a career working in hedge funds. This would prepare you for analyst positions - analyzing industries, companies, etc. and making recommendations for investment.

Another option is computer science. The structure of the financial markets is changing very rapidly right now, and hedge funds are hiring a LOT of programmers to stay on top of the changes and do their best to exploit them.

Finally, don't overlook the support roles - accounting in particular. There's way less upside than a pm role, but CFOs and controllers still do pretty well, and they're in demand.

As for companies to work for, getting your foot in he door will be difficult, so just go with the best fund you can. FWIW, try not to focus on salary at your first couple of jobs ( I know it's hard) - rather focus on getting good experience and exposure to as much of the industry as you can.  

Go to a finance-specific job board like efinancialcareers and search "hedge fund" for some more ideas.

Answer 2

A degree in Finance.

Now a question for you:

Do you know what a hedge fund is?

Or have you simply heard that hedge fund managers make a lot of money?

Answer 3

PhD.