Retail/Consumer - ER Associate Interview

Hi Guys,

I have a couple of questions about interviewing for an Equity Research position in the Retail/Consumer space. The firm in question is a large North American bank.

I have a year's experience as an Equity Research Associate at another large North American bank within the Agriculture sector. I'm looking to make the move mostly because I'm not that keen on Agriculture and it just so happens that this new Retail/Consumer position came up.

1) Are there any Retail/Consumer guys out there who can shed some light on what are the key drivers in understanding this sector (employment, gdp, consumer spending etc..).

2) The Agriculture sector is very fast paced as it is so commodities driven. I would say it is one of the livelier sectors out there. How would you rate the Retail/Consumer sector in ease of coverage compared to say Banks, Tech, Telco, Gold, Oil etc.?

3) Are there any other ER Associates who have changed between sectors that are so different? If so, how did your interview flow when the Analyst tried to understand why you wanted the switch?

Thanks.

Best Regards,

CanadianER2010