There are many ways to learn about hedge funds and careers in the industry. First, check out the Managed Funds Association's Investing in Opportunity Web site, https://investinginopportunity.org. It offers an easy-to-understand summary of how hedge funds work, a glossary of useful terms, and industry statistics. You should also read industry publications, such as Hedge Week (http://www.hedgeweek.com), to learn about the major players and the latest news. Participate in investment competitions during high school and college to develop your stock-picking skills. The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania offers the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, a free, global, online investment challenge for high school students and teachers. According to the Wharton Web site, “students learn about teamwork, communication, risk, diversification, company analysis, industry analysis, and investing.” Visit https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/competitions/investment-competition to learn more.
Other ways to learn more about this career include participating in information interviews and job-shadowing experiences with hedge fund analysts and getting involved in summer exploration programs in finance and other fields that are offered by colleges and universities.