<p>I'm currently a community college undergraduate student, looking to transfer in 2 years. I currently major is architecture but I've been looking into a business administration or finance major. I'm debating whether or not to switch my major to business or stay with architecture. What is the average salary for a career as an architect and a career as a financial analyst working for a hedge fund? What is the level of difficulty getting a job in the fields, and overall, what would be better in the long run?</p>
<p>“What is the average salary for a career as an architect and a career as a financial analyst working for a hedge fund?”</p>
<p>These are completely different career paths. Are we talking about peak salaries? Because an architect will hit park salary starting in their 50’s. A partner in a large office might be in the seven figures, a partner in a successful medium sized practice might be in the mid six figure range, and a partner in a small office might be lucky to hit six figures (this assumes that the economy is a little better than it is right now). A hedge fund manager probably hits their peak in their 30’s, at this point they have either made a bazillion dollars and have retired, or they have not been successful and have moved on to another career.</p>
<p>How difficult is it to get into these fields? During good times it is easy to get into architecture, right now the situation is pretty tough. Getting a job in a hedge fund with an undergraduate business/finance degree is gong to be extremely tough in any economy. You will be competing with Harvard/Stanford MBA and graduate finance majors and without a connection it is going to be difficult to get in the door.</p>
<p>Which will be better in the long run? If you get to be a top huge fund manager you will be a Master of the Universe and no architect will approach your earnings. You are just going to have to decide your risk profile.</p>
<p>rick</p>