Trying to break into equity research

I’m an experienced professional, but the problem that stares me in the face is the lack of relevant experience. I like Fixed Income, distressed finance, structured products would eventually like to get into these. However, its hard to get into such a niche area. Plus, the Fixed Income markets aren’t too developed in India. So I guess I would take up any good finance openings that I come across at the moment.

Thanks for sharing with us @sankrutimehta – what are your plans then, different location?

I was talking to a talent acquisition rep that used to do corporate hiring. She said that to get into the equity research side (or any research) they look for an MBA CFA level 3 combination as a minimum.

Definitely try and approach anyone you know related the jobs you’re after. applying randomly e.g. through jobsites are near useless in my experience…

Equity research is a good area to break into from non-finance. In general here are a few tips:

1. Banks at entry-level look for the base stuff – quick-thinking, analytical aptitude, capacity to work hard, etc.
2. For equity research, you need knowledge and passion in stocks. Knowledge about others is a bonus, but for ER the public markets is the key thing. You’ll have a lot of reading to do.
3. Play to your strengths industry-wise – there are many areas that analysts cover, so think of your CV (did you major in anything relevant, for example) and follow the large players in the industry. Have opinions and intelligent thoughts about how these companies will fare in the long run.

Those should give you a good start when you start interviewing. Good luck!

I know its not just difficult for freshers but its the same situation for the experienced people too. All I have known in all this years is getting a job in scenario like India, has become more of having good connections or you can put it as having developed your networking skills because at least in my case I learnt it that ways. If you dont wanna try that way then go directly on the desired company’s website take the number and directly talk to HR managers ask for their email ids send them resumes. Contact HR consultancies directly give them your resumes and tell them your requirements. It looks quite pushy approach but nevertheless it actually helps. One cant just sit at home and wait for the opportunity to come by.

@Sophie, I have no problem honestly to travel. M just using my linkedin contacts and naukri sites to apply and follow up…fingers crossed something good happens before the result.

Thinking about moving abroad @AJfinance?

@jimmyg yep. Need to figure out how. But no opportunities yet.

I think its a typical issue in India with limited research opportunities…I have been looking for an opening since about 8 months now but very few good openings

I am also trying to break into the research side. Talking to the people I know in the industry (other analysts,traders,PM’s), they always tell me that a lot of it has to do with who you know. My strategy has been to apply to smaller shops as it seems to be easier to get noticed. Networking face to face has been a great advantage for me as I have tried to learn from others that are already successful in the industry. Any advice that could be given from those working on the research side is always greatly appreciated.

No problem. I know quite a few people in eq research (depending on where you’d like to be based) so feel free to reach out or PM me.

Good luck @Reena, keep us posted on your job search!

Why would it be impossible? There are two parts to this question, either you are not aware of the opportunities or companies that hire for ER. Or you are getting these offers but not able to crack it.

• Firstly its best to start targeting Kpo’s that provide Equity research activities like E value serve, Crisil, Visible alpha etc
• Secondly what I have experienced is that sectoral expertise makes a big difference in cracking the interview.

Hi,

This sounds amazing as I found it
very much useful and informative to be honest. Also, I have gone through this
post which definitely helped me out a lot as a new member I am looking forward
for more such discussions.

Thanks