How much stock research experience needed for ER Associate?

Depends on the job market. In the context of a competitive recruiting process the most attractive candidates are those who have direct equity analysis and equity investment experience, most of which invest in specific equities in their personal account (pa). It effectively becomes a requirement to be competitive. Logic: I would encourage you to buy some stock if you want to be a stock analyst :). It is of utmost importance candidates be able to articulate why they bought or shorted that stock, substantiating that decision with an analysis similar or equal to that employed by the group you would like to join. For example, do not reference Moving Averages, RSI, and Fibonacci as the only basis for your decision making for a fundamental ER group, but rather talk about valuation and catalysts. Cheers mate.