Quantitative Hedge Fund DE Shaw Embraces Liberal Arts for Technical-Adjacent Roles
In a world where investment banks have increasingly prioritized hiring STEM students, one hedge fund is taking a different approach. DE Shaw, a quantitative hedge fund, recognizes the value that liberal arts students bring to the table for technical-adjacent roles. Rather than focusing solely on economists and mathematicians, DE Shaw seeks out individuals with artistic backgrounds to work alongside its technologists and quants, appreciating their unique perspectives and creative thinking.
Former DE Shaw associate, Peter Bogart-Johnson, who now works for Jane Street, recently shed light on his ex-employer’s strategy during a podcast. He explained that DE Shaw sought individuals with artistic talents because they were smart, talented, and could offer a different viewpoint to their respective roles. While painters and poets are not hired for core quant positions, they are welcomed into peripheral functions. For example, DE Shaw’s newly hired HR associate, Devanshi Yadav, has won creative writing competitions, and William Armstrong, an administrative assistant at the fund, is a recognized fine artist specializing in challenging societal norms.
Bogart-Johnson, an abstract expressionist poet, spoke about DE Shaw’s approach to hiring artists. Although the firm did not have a targeted program for recruiting individuals from the arts, they were interested in hiring them for technical-adjacent roles. The expectation was that these individuals would eventually leave to pursue their artistic passions, but many ended up staying and developing their careers in the finance industry. Bogart-Johnson himself left DE Shaw in 2015 to work as a product manager at Jane Street, but he continues to write poetry and believes that creativity and empathy are valuable skills for product managers.
DE Shaw recently opened its generalist internships for 2024, offering a generous monthly pay of $9,000 in New York. The firm is actively encouraging students from diverse backgrounds, including art history and literature, to apply for these internships.
The hedge fund’s approach aligns with the belief that liberal arts students bring a fresh and open-minded perspective to traditionally technical roles. By valuing creativity and unique thinking, DE Shaw hopes to foster an environment that combines expertise in finance with the power of artistic expression.
In conclusion, DE Shaw’s decision to seek out individuals with artistic backgrounds for technical-adjacent roles highlights the recognition of the value that liberal arts can bring to the finance industry. By embracing creativity and diverse perspectives, the hedge fund aims to create a dynamic and innovative work environment that goes beyond traditional quant roles.
