When Does Equity Research Become A Sales Job?

I'm sure it's different at different firms. But let's say you start directly out of undergrad, how long does it usually take before your job becomes more about bringing in/retaining clients than researching companies?

I'm just a lowly intern here but my personal experiences contradict what I've read on this website. We have 0 interaction with sell side guys and buy research based soley on the quality of the content. I've heard here that 90% of the time, people make it past VP in equity research because they know how to sell, not because they're great analysts.

Mod Note (Andy): This was originally posted on 1/07/16.

 

ask here

http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/ask-a-vp-in-equity-research-anyth…

it might be different where you are working but generally the higher up you go the more clients you deal with but the research work will stay with you .. the client dealing is an added responsibility .. and you do research to sell not for the sake of doing research, it is not academic research to explore ideas nor is it a white paper and if what you "say to sell" is NOT in line with the research, then I guess you could be ask about that inconsistency .. ask those who know more like the person the link above

 
Best Response
But let's say you start directly out of undergrad, how long does it usually take before your job becomes more about bringing in/retaining clients than researching companies?

Once you hit the analyst level (i.e. 4+ years of experience / post MBA) it starts to become more of a sales job. New hires are generally expected to do the mundane crap, i.e. modelling, flash notes, etc., so that the analysts are free up to take client meetings and calls.

I'm just a lowly intern here but my personal experiences contradict what I've read on this website. We have 0 interaction with sell side guys and buy research based soley on the quality of the content.

Most shops would claim that's true, but the reality is that analysts who make themselves heard get more votes and more commission dollars. Unless you are a total rockstar analyst it would be very difficult to get away with not interacting with clients.

 

You should be selling yourself and your research from the get go. The sooner you realize that, the faster you'll grow and move.

"It is better to have a friendship based on business, than a business based on friendship." - Rockefeller. "Live fast, die hard. Leave a good looking body." - Navy SEAL
 

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