AM Sales to AM Research - Possible?

Looking for a bit of advice. I have recently accepted an entry-level role at a fund manager in their sales division. The reason I took the job is because I really like the company and the space, however, I'm more interested in moving into an analyst/research role at some point in the future.

Is it common for lateral hires from sales to analyst in AM, particularly passive AM? What is the best way to go about this (CFA, MFin etc.)? Would it be best to try and get an analyst role ASAP or grind in sales for a couple of years before moving?

I am worried that as a first job, I might be pigeonholed into a sales position.

Thanks for your help.

 
Most Helpful
SheenLegs:
Thinking more quant research roles related to smart-beta/factor investing (admittedly more active than passive).

Smart Beta/Factor Investing has research "type" roles, although don't expect to get any respect from most of the analysts, especially the fundamental analysts.

Sales desk to a role in investments/product is rare but not unheard of. I know someone who moved from the internal sales desk to a junior role in product, but it took him about five years and taking a pay cut to make it happen. The fact of life is that most AM shops are too small to have 'classes,' so it is either making an experienced hire or taking someone out of their job to get you up to speed.

As Venturepapi said, network, learn, get your charter if you can, and see what happens. You want to be the most knowledgeable person on the floor on the products of the teams you want to move into.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

Might be able to help out on this as I just started my first job out of UG in sales at an active fixed income shop. We have a ton of mobility off the desk which was kind of surprising to me. Three people just moved to product team after 1-3yrs on the desk. We also have 2 PM's who started on the desk and a handful who moved to institutional accounts, SMA's, and trading. The role at m y firm is more seen as a launchpad for other areas of the company. It seems that internal sales in general is becoming more advanced/technical as it's getting harder to add value for financial advisors and institutional clients.

 

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