I’m trying to understand how different industries approach their hiring processes. In the tech world, people spend tons of time practicing coding problems, creating personal projects, and building their social media presence to get jobs at major companies. Everyone seems focused on showcasing their skills online and constantly looking for better opportunities.
But what about investment banking and private equity? Do finance people also spend time building their online reputation and connecting with others professionally? Or is it more about where you went to school and who you know? I’m wondering if the application process is more organized in finance than it is in tech.
Also curious about things like how hard it is to get hired, job stability, and moving up in your career between these two fields. Anyone who has experience with both types of job searches would be really helpful to hear from.
Honestly, the biggest shock was how different rejection feels. In tech, you get ghosted or a generic ‘we went with other candidates’ email after bombing leetcode. But finance? It’s brutal differently - they wine and dine you at networking events, make you feel like you’re in, then reject you because your GPA was 3.7 instead of 3.8. Tech cares what you can actually do. Finance obsesses over pedigree. I’ve seen brilliant coders from state schools land FAANG jobs, but try getting into Goldman without an Ivy degree… it’s like playing on hard mode.
lol the funniest part is watching people pivot between these worlds. finance bros suddenly trying to learn python at 30 because they realize their “structured career path” leads to 80hr weeks and burnout, while tech kids get tired of leetcode grinding and think finance will be easier (spoiler: it’s not). both industries love to act exclusive but for different reasons - tech pretends meritocracy exists while finance just openly admits it’s about who daddy knows. atleast tech interviews end in a week instead of dragging on for months like some weird hazing ritual
Finance is all about timing and prestige. You’ve got to apply for IB summer internships as a freshman - there’s no waiting around. Tech’s way more flexible - you can hop jobs every couple years without anyone batting an eye. Finance interviews focus on cultural fit and whether you know deal flows, while tech actually tests your problem-solving skills through coding. But finance locks you into NYC or London, whereas tech lets you work from anywhere.
Finance recruiting feels like a formal dance with rules, while tech hiring resembles speed dating where quick impressions matter. Both are competitive, but finance values patience and structure, whereas tech celebrates innovation and adaptability.
Having navigated both recruitment landscapes, I’ve observed distinct differences. The finance sector heavily emphasizes relationship-building and networking, often prioritizing connections and prestige from schools. For instance, in investment banking, candidates are interviewed nearly two years in advance, which underscores the importance of preparedness and networking through alumni and industry events. Conversely, the tech industry centers around demonstrable skills and competencies. Here, projects, coding challenges, and contributions to platforms like GitHub take precedence over formal educational pedigree. The tech hiring process tends to be quicker and more dynamic, allowing for greater flexibility in job transitions and locations, although career advancement may appear less defined compared to the structured promotion ladders in finance. Ultimately, both fields demand significant dedication, but the approach to establishing a career differs markedly.