Sell side sector selection
I'm about to start in a top 5 sell side research BB out of college and we have a bit of input into our sector coverage. What sector/qualities of team should I look for when joining a team to have the best chance to make a transition to the buyside in a few years? For example, go for highest II rankings, or most complex sector, etc?
For background, I come from a state school (finance major) which is generally considered non target, but has gotten better the past few years.
Picking BB Sell-Side ER Sector Teams (Originally Posted: 06/20/2014)
I'm fortunate to be able to pick between two teams, one being financials, the other autos. While I've always been particularly interested in the former, I have been told that the work environment in the latter is better, more relaxed, better work/life balance and one is given responsibilities and recognition earlier.
Since I'd say I have quite some passion for financials, it is difficult to trade that off against the more "soft" advantages of working in industrials, so I was hoping to hear your thoughts, any thoughts. Thank you!
Which team has the better analyst?
Go to the team with the better analyst.
Go to the team where the skill set is the most transferable across sectors (unless you love FIG) and where the Analyst is ranked higher (doesn't really matter if 7 vs. 9 or something, but top ranked vs. non top ranked there is a difference). Autos is a really cool sector by the way, would personally take it, unless the FIG guy is an absolute beast.
thank you everyone for your help, really appreciate it.
@TheFamousTrader: could you please elaborate on what you like about autos? curious to hear your opinion!
As funny as it may sound, it's an industry PMs like talking about just because it's sexy. Everyone will always want to hear something about autos even if it means just a passive interest being expressed by various PMs, you still get exposure and many like to listen about the industry. Some may say it's in decline and all, but it doesn't matter as much on the sell-side if there is still interest. As you know research is not directly linked with revenues, so your sector doesn't even need to generate THAT much trading volume.
I personally just like it because it is a down to Earth sector, which greatly overlaps with basic materials and at the same time it is consumer-orientated. To me it's a very nice mix between the different categories of stocks/sectors that allows you to get a feel for many different things. Would go as far as saying it prevents you from pigeonholing yourself soon.
I will go against the other advice here and say go with the sector you have passion for. Provided the analysts aren't ranked wildly differently, I'd go with your preference. All you will read, write and think about for the next X years is that sector. If you choose the one you're most interested in, it could make the difference between your work being fulfilling and motivating vs being a grind.
sounds like Citi...?
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