Is getting a PhD in particle physics the best way to get into a hedge fund?

[SimonZheng]

A PhD in Quant Finance is better. It makes no sense to do a degree when you go into it to switch.

Usually PhD program in Finance/Financial Econometric under BSchool is harder to get in than Physics/Math PhD program ...

 

[PrancingPeach]

The top graduate schools for Ph.D.'s in mathematics, like Harvard, are extremely selective. These are arguably the most selective academic programs in the world.

 

[DominiConnor]

Even though you are thousands of miles away, that dull thudding you can hear is my head hitting the desk repeatedly.

Do not do a PhD as a pure career move.
It leads to misery, pain, suffering, anguish and quite probably (and clearly important to you) poverty.

That applies to all PhDs from all universities in all subjects.

 

[Devdeep]

Compared to computer science, mathematics PhD, is pursuing a physics PhD the best?

What about economics, or finance PhDs or even MFEs?
Which way would be the best road to take, if you're dream is to work in FO at a hedge fund?

Looks like people have provided great insight in response to your question. Let me just try to add one point... looking at it from a slightly different angle...

You do not go for Ph.D. in Physics (or Math, or ...) because you want to open a hedge fund in the future. Ph.D.'s (Physics) who were hired by Wall Street did not start their Ph.D. career thinking about Wall Street. If you want to do Ph.D. in Physics... and you are not doing it because you LOVE Physics Research... you will have a miserable 4-6 graduate years. The only reason you should opt for Physics/Math Ph.D. is your Love and Passion for the subject... and nothing else.

Career choices for any given person can definitely change after obtained a Ph.D. in Physics/Math/CS. That is a different situation. But if you already know you want to work on Wall Street or open a hedge fund... you will be much better off with MFE/Ph.D. in FE programs.

 

[Katrina]

It leads to misery, pain, suffering, anguish and quite probably (and clearly important to you) poverty

Well said !

 

[Andy Nguyen]

But not said and listened to often enough.

 

[Devdeep]

@pinkjigglypuff Thanks! Good Luck with your future endeavors no matter what you decide to do.

 

[pinkjigglypuff]

@Devdeep Thanks a lot!