Re:Ask HN: Did my poor choice in higher education hurt my ca...
by hedgie on Saturday May 28, 2011 @09:02PM
(#2595583)
"The finance hedge funds had the most strict req's. Target school, CS degree (nothing else but CS), no Masters or higher degree, 0-2 years of experience etc."
haha, I had considered this route since I have a BS in CS/math and MS in math and I figured they would like that more. apparently not. I like working 40 hours a week anyways at an employer that pays more more for the MS.
...and will just take the financial actuarial exams if I want in that route anyways.
This was due to "taint" from over-education, etc.
Otherwise, you needed a degree or some very solid accomplishments to be looked at for a top eCommerce / tech firm. Many financial firms require a 4 year degree or a sign-off from a Senior Manager.
Most of my roles were $90-140,000
You only "hurt" your career if you wish to stay in a corporate climbing-the-ladder world. EG: progressively moving up in pay / title, non-degree's seem to have $5-$15,000 less salary in my experience.
The most important long-term indicator of income was (my Google skills are failing me for citation) the first position. If you started low ($30-$35,000), in 10 years, you will of course still be behind your peers who started at $50-$60,000. The first position out of school also tended to keep you "stuck" in that track.
But, these are "averages" and nothing is limiting but your own ambition and drive.