Looking for a job in equity research
(Full disclosure: This is my first post so please pardon any breaking of unwritten WSO rules)
Personal background: I graduated from a top (not quite elite) university with solid (not outstanding) grades last May. I've interned at Guggenheim Partners and a Priv. Eq. firm. In college, I did an equity research report for a mutual fund and handout the 30 page report any opportunity I get. I have good writing and communication skills and I've put together DCF, Comps, M&A, LBO, and other types of models-I would say my excel proficiency for a 22 (soon turning 23) year-old is high but far from excellent. I also have my Series 7 & 66. I left a job in Wealth Management 2.5 months ago because it was totally wrong in every aspect. Finally, I've read about 15 books on investing in the last year and a half (from Graham to Fisher to far more obscure authors) so I have a very good understanding of equities and can hold a conversation with plenty of people above my rank.
And so, I now find myself searching for work and not getting far. I'm networking with family-friends, high school alumni (I went to one of the top high schools in the US, so there's a lot of good connections there), college alumni, and I've emailed a bunch of random MDs at boutique investment banks. I really want to do Equity Research but I would totally do IB (at this point, I'd do anything just to get my foot in the door), and I was wondering if anyone on WSO has advice, connections, or any other helpful services they would be willing to offer?
Just to be clear - I'm an NYC native who is looking to stay in the city and obviously the type of roles I am looking for are generally entry level.
Thanks!