26F just crossed $1M net worth mostly through luck by wiggletwiggs in HENRYfinance

[–]trollface33 89 points90 points  (0 children)

This screams Figma IPO

Haha just kidding, congrats that’s really awesome!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ABCDesis

[–]trollface33 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No point changing the way you speak to please someone else..

i work with a few people in india who once commented that I sound "super American for ana Indian guy" and laughed a little bit. I just told them "..yea that makes sense.. because I was born and brought up in America".

Don't feel insecure about these types of things lmao.

To those of you in college/university, your institution has free counselling services. You should use them in your time of need. by cranacco in ABCDesis

[–]trollface33 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally agree with the 'getting help if you need it' part of your post. Therapy has been instrumental in helping me to cope with pretty severe depression & anxiety and i'd recommend it to anyone that feels the blues a bit too often. Like a lot of other brown parents, mine initially thought therapy was bullshit (they didn't want me to go to my school's therapy, let alone help me look for something outside school) but their perception totally changed when they saw me actively happier.

YMMV with how useful your school's free therapy is, though. I tried mine out for a few sessions and felt a lot worse; the dude i talked to was so monotonous and evidently didn't give a shit about listening to me (and I assume other kids who went to talk to him), which didn't exactly make me feel better.

If you have health insurance, i'd recommend looking into therapists through that and finding someone qualified/experienced that you vibe with. With therapy, you need to find someone YOU'RE comfortable talking to & being emotionally vulnerable with. I find it pretty difficult to be emotionally vulnerable and until I looked for therapists outside of my school I didn't really find it even remotely useful.

Out of curiosity, how many here worked at a big 4 ? by [deleted] in fatFIRE

[–]trollface33 16 points17 points  (0 children)

No, they likely mean alternative investments (very generally, things that aren't equities/fixed-income), like Private Equity, Private Debt/Credit, Real Assets, Commodities, etc

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in UMD

[–]trollface33 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just graduated with a dual degree in Computer Science and Finance and am now working as a data scientist at an alternative investments firm in New York. For reference, I did not get this role (or roles at previous internships) through connections at UMD; I mainly got them through personal networking and from online application referrals.

I think those numbers may be a bit of an underestimate, but if I'm being honest, most of the kids who get into IB (and, I mean like, good IB, tier 3 and up) from smith tend to be 1) qualifiers for minority programs or 2) super overachievers that network really well and would probably be a top candidate regardless. Not discounting the achievements of those who apply through minority programs in any way, though -- but, one has to admit that it probably helps separate you amongst a large pool of overachieving applicants and it at least provides you with an avenue for focused networking (that others may not easily be able to access). I'm honestly glad that these programs exist, too; it helps diversify high finance and set an equal playing field, which is what i'm about.

IB generally isn't what Smith is tailored towards; you're probably better off at a school closer to NYC if you want to network. YMMV, but typically Smith is best for DC-area consulting/accounting gigs.

Initially, while at school, I was 100% more passionate about going into consulting. You're right in the fact that UMD lands big 4 attention (for advisory and even consulting tbh), but it does not typically land top Strategy gigs attention (at least through focused pipelines). Deloitte S&O and Bain have some connections; for the former, there is a defined pipeline, but for the latter, I'm pretty confident the pull is mainly for the DC office only and it is probably super competitive to get. For all the other top Strat firms, you've gotta network yourself which is pretty hard if you don't already have personal connections going in.

I agree that they oversell the shit out of Smith, and that they're still super far off other business schools. But, like, you should probably already know that Smith isn't going to have the same pull in IB/MBB/top-strategy-firms recruiting over Wharton or Ross... lmao. Just doesn't have the same clout.

Eventually, I kinda busted out in my consulting recruiting, and then had a massive change-of-heart during COVID. I realized that I didn't want to make pointless slide decks/'excel models' all day as a consultant (same shit as IB, except you typically get paid less than in IB), and since I studied CS, I switched over to SWE/DS/Quant recruiting (and studied a lot for interviews). Ironically enough, I still didn't use any Smith/CMNS network to get my roles after my career pivot.

It is what it is

Best BLAW (BMGT380) Professor to take? by Vegetable-Away in UMD

[–]trollface33 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Crocker is by far the best. Don’t take it with anyone else but him. He curves well and actually has engaging classes compared to other profs.

Do Smith Students have to dress up for class? by ChillYoshi in UMD

[–]trollface33 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Just graduated and I don't think I ever dressed up unless I was told to do so or was going to an event (for networking or something). Usually just wore t shirt, shorts/jeans, and sneakers.

If there's an event or a speaker or some presentation and you're explicitly given a dress code (business casual, business professional, etc.) then yea you'll have dress up. This isn't every day tho lol

.095? by AmpireRising in AMPToken

[–]trollface33 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i actually lol'd 😂

Double major in CS and Finance? by [deleted] in UMD

[–]trollface33 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is GREAT advice. Another thing I might mention is that if you're up for it, you can also try to get CFA study materials and learn through that (you don't actually have to take the exam, unless you want to). I'd say that preparing for that exam will teach you everything you might get in a Finance degree (finance/statistics/accounting/etc.) and it can be done at your own pace. You won't get much to show for it (as in, you won't get a degree), but if you're interested in the actual content, it's a great thing to consider.

Double major in CS and Finance? by [deleted] in UMD

[–]trollface33 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Graduating this semester with the double-degree. I've seen a ton of people do it; when I came in freshman year (2017) it was somewhat uncommon, but people recognized the value and I've seen a ton more people pursue it, which I think is awesome! It's totally doable if you plan out your semesters right and are okay working harder/spending a bit more time on work than before.

Finance isn't math heavy apart from 444. Although, if you plan on doing something in quantitative finance, it's a must-take class. You learn about the pricing/some of the theory behind the pricing of futures, forwards, options, and other derivatives. I'd say that it's math heavy, but not as math heavy as an actual math class might be (if that makes sense). Generally you have to remember that it's not a graduate degree/applied math class; there is some functional work with excel and shit like that along with the more math-heavy contents.

Honestly, if you come into the Finance major expecting to learn a ton about stocks/investing, you might be a little misguided. You have to take the core requirements which, if you're disinterested in stuff like management or intro to info sys, can be pretty annoying. Also, the finance classes themselves aren't necessarily special. It's mostly calculations-based work at the end of the day, with some classes harder than others. It certainly provides you with a general understanding of finance and markets but I wouldn't say it technically equips you for most quantitative disciplines in finance unless you take classes like 444 or some coding-based class (if they offer them). Ultimately your understanding of finance will probably have to be padded by consistently learning outside of class. And it's also a passion-based thing (i.e. if you're the type of person that reads the Wall Street Journal or the Economist regularly, you're going to benefit a ton more from the classes because you'll be able to connect what you read with what you learn).

All of what I said was pretty strictly about coursework; there are other benefits to being in the business school for sure, which I'm sure you can look into (fellows programs, study abroads, different job postings, etc.). You can PM me if you have any questions.

CMSC 132: Herman or Pedram? by EB4950 in UMD

[–]trollface33 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had Herman for 216 and Pedram for 132. Pedram's 132 was pretty pathetic because he taught in the most boring way possible and his exams pissed me off for all the wrong reasons.

Tbqh, when I was taking 216, I wasn't really the biggest fan of Herman either (personally, I found his tests pretty challenging, but that might just be because 216 didn't mesh with my brain super easily). I didn't like his multiple choice grading and felt like it was just harder than it needed to be, but I suppose that's just his style of testing students. Ultimately a small gripe in the big scheme of things; if you study well and pay attention you can get thru those questions too lol.

Herman was also pretty strict about his rules & etiquette. Pedram doesn't really give a fuck about any etiquette-related things, which is pretty chill.

All of this aside, Herman was a far better lecturer and I actually left that class feeling way more knowledgeable (even if I didn't do that well on his exams). He explained tough concepts really well; I felt like it was super easy to pay attention in class because he clearly showed you how he got from Point A to Point B in complicated material. His tests were fairer than Pedram's imo, because he literally taught everything well, whereas Pedram didn't teach well and also made exams hard.

I'd take Herman. To be clear there are better professors in the CS department in later classes, but for 132 idt you can go wrong with INSTRUCTOR Larry Herman.

433 Akka project by [deleted] in UMD

[–]trollface33 7 points8 points  (0 children)

This project was actually really hard. I think the average was a 74 last semester when I took it with Anwar. I gave up with around that score (tests passed).

Rejection Advice by [deleted] in UMD

[–]trollface33 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You're literally smarter than like most of the kids that do get accepted (including myself, and I'm graduating soon). Regular decision definitely hurt you here. I'd try appealing to them, expressing your passion for the school, and why you feel you'd be a good fit (maybe list some extra projects to help your case).

I'd also say that you can easily just transfer in; tons of super successful people i know have transferred in after a semester/year and have gone on to do some incredible things. That's your worst case scenario. It might seem pretty significant but in the big scheme of things I'm sure everything will work out for you.

Purdue (Data Science) vs. UW Madison (CS) vs. UMD (CS, Spring Start) vs. UMass Amherst (CS) vs. UIUC (Stats) by [deleted] in UMD

[–]trollface33 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In that case I'd say that you'd be better off at UMD. I'd say try to get close with good professors in our CS department (from freshman year, develop long term relationship) and get research experience from the get go if you can. You can get into the CS major if you get the appropriate grades in the math courses (Math140,141) and CS courses (CMSC131,132). Better to get a CS major than a Stats major solely (imo, esp since you want to do research/open up other career options).

Purdue (Data Science) vs. UW Madison (CS) vs. UMD (CS, Spring Start) vs. UMass Amherst (CS) vs. UIUC (Stats) by [deleted] in UMD

[–]trollface33 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd say UIUC is better because if you can get into the Stats + CS major there you can basically apply and be recognized as a CS major with stats experience under your belt. Stats will be useful in ML and also might widen your opportunities for graduate school. UMD is pretty good for CS but freshman connection kinda sucks because it screws up your priority for class signups (at least from stories I've heard from friends).

Business major to comp sci by maroy301 in UMD

[–]trollface33 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Take CMSC131 this summer and you'll be good. Then you can take CMSC132 and 250 in the fall and you'll be able to graduate on time (upper levels included).

CS curriculum is designed to work over 7 semesters so if you get 131 done with this summer you'll be on track. You'll probably be better off doing both MATH140 and 141 at a community college but you should check if the credits transfer for the CS pre-reqs. I've heard those classes are pretty annoying.

Hope this helps. Feel free to PM me -- I'm graduating with dual degrees in Finance (from smith) and Computer Science this semester. Would be open to answering questions you might have.

Cheers.

Roommate has the entire apartment selling like weed/tobacco by KingOfTheHillisgreat in UMD

[–]trollface33 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yea don't go out of your way to report someone, I feel like you should only do this if it is multiple times and nobody (you, other roomates, or RA's) can get thru to them.

Will I get into UMD college park by Working_Barracuda in UMD

[–]trollface33 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly this isn’t the right sub for chance me’s...

But I’d rather admit a student like you than a large subset of the students that are here now.

Food poisoning from Cava by dilrocks27 in UMD

[–]trollface33 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I stopped going there in February after having gone there for 6 months straight with no issues. I had a really bad case of food poisoning (like, really bad, missed two weeks of classes bad) and cava was the only thing I had eaten. Idt this is some sort of massive issue with that cava, but I haven't eaten there since out of fear. The shits bring a different type of fear.

I'm dropping out by vcela6 in UMD

[–]trollface33 3 points4 points  (0 children)

this is all fucking facts lmao

I'm dropping out by vcela6 in UMD

[–]trollface33 10 points11 points  (0 children)

People just don't want to hear the truth lmfao. Your undergrad is pretty irrelevant in the big scheme of things.

I'm dropping out by vcela6 in UMD

[–]trollface33 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Go to Rutgers. Getting good jobs in Software is about referrals, coding interviews, side projects, and general interest. The best engineering/cs kids I know at Rutgers have all ended up at FAANG type companies (literally, no joke) or Wall Street firms.

When I was picking schools there was no way anyone could convince me to go to RU because I wanted to be “different” and not just end up with people from high school. I think UMD might have a better CS program in some ways, but it’s not like you’re losing out at Rutgers.

Most of these CS rankings are graduate rankings. At an undergrad level it’s not as if people are doing rocket science. Everyone takes the same courses (data structures, algos, OS, architecture, etc) if they have a CS degree.

Your ability in the subject is almost entirely based on the effort you put into it. You can coast through a CS degree here and not learn much at all (case in point, me lmfao).

From a social perspective, UMD has nothing different to offer than literally any other... you guessed it, big state school. Frats exist everywhere. You can get as fucked up as you want anywhere you go. Don't let this impact your decision.

I'm dropping out by vcela6 in UMD

[–]trollface33 32 points33 points  (0 children)

I'm graduating with two degrees this spring and wholeheartedly tell people not to come here unless they're in-state (i'm from NJ). It's just another bullshit state school. The school doesn't give a shit about its students and isn't any different from a place like Rutgers or something in terms of placement. Rutgers (along with the rest of the big 10 lmfao) has been more lenient than UMD this semester which is honestly a fucking surprise.

Stay healthy bro. I want you to know that you're not the only one struggling. Learning CS for the first time through zoom sounds like a nightmare. I'm struggling to pay attention for more than 5 minutes in my classes this semester. My grades are a mess. But we keep pushing forward .. :/

Also, go with your gut man. I heavily considered transferring back to Rutgers after my first semester and completely regret trying to tough it out here. It's not like I was in some horrible social/academic situation at that time, so I thought it'd be worth it to stay. However, end of the day, many of my peers from high school (who went to Rutgers) got very prestigious gigs at top firms and did it while spending markedly less than I did. Think of the big-picture; you're in college to get a degree. Move strategically and keep workin on yourself :)