Advice request for a brand new ER candidate

Hi,
I have a great question for experienced Equity Researchers...
I live in Chicago, but I'm open for relocation.
I am originally (B.Sc.) from molecular biology and genetics,
I have done my M.Sc. in molecular genetics of human cancer,
I have finished my Ph.D. in biochemistry in 2011.
This fall started an online M.B.A. online program after deciding to shift to equity research (wanted to get out of lab and the slow pace of academia - have always had a passion for business side of science and really enjoyed finance) and being rejected due to lack of experience(?).
I'm learning a lot in the M.B.A., but I want to make sure, I head to right direction. Therefore, wanted to request any advise from experienced.
- what is the appropriate title/level should I apply for? Before/after MBA?
- would you recommend an internship before applying to positions?
- any key places to look for internships?
- any good places that may overlook the non-existence of experience?
Thanks for all the answers!

 
Hummolgen:
- what is the appropriate title/level should I apply for? Before/after MBA?
Associate or Analyst if no one will have you.
- would you recommend an internship before applying to positions?
can't hurt, and its a good way to get a FT offer
- any key places to look for internships?
any place that is related to the field that you want to be working in.
- any good places that may overlook the non-existence of experience?
I think thats an oxymoron. If the place is good, the first thing they are going to look at is your experience.

Good luck.

 
Best Response

Dest149, first of all thanks for your response. However couple of questions about it though...

  • what is the appropriate title/level should I apply for? Before/after MBA? Associate or Analyst if no one will have you.

Q.........I thought that analyst jobs are more focused on finance, but wouldn't associate level let me to utilize my scientific knowledge and skills more? Would the company care for this?

would you recommend an internship before applying to positions? can't hurt, and its a good way to get a FT offer any key places to look for internships? any place that is related to the field that you want to be working in.

Q.........I meant any job boards on the Internet, such as "monster for internships"??? Would you recommend cold call/email the HR or the analysts/associates directly? Or even showing up to drop off resume? - that does work for most professors if you would want to get a post-doc position. But don't want to be let out by security :-)

any good places that may overlook the non-existence of experience? I think thats an oxymoron. If the place is good, the first thing they are going to look at is your experience.

Q.........I meant,,, would a bigger firm be more willing to spend time/energy in training you in actual job? Than smaller ones? Or vice versa?

Good luck.

Thanks again for advice. I may be a new member in WSO, but am planning to stick around.

M.B.A.(c) | Ph.D. - Biochemistry | M.Sc., B.Sc. - Molecular Biology and Genetics
 
Hummolgen:
- what is the appropriate title/level should I apply for? Before/after MBA? Associate or Analyst if no one will have you. Q.........I thought that analyst jobs are more focused on finance, but wouldn't associate level let me to utilize my scientific knowledge and skills more? Would the company care for this?
O___o Associate is the starting level. Analyst is what you become when you earn some cred and start initiating coverage yourself. Both have equal focus on finance; associates probably number-crunch more just because you're on the lower rung of the ladder and need to do grunt work, but in terms of topics and applicability it's the same. With your Ph.D. you can probably start as an Associate and, if you do well, can be promoted to Analyst within a specialized industry (Healthcare, Pharma, etc.) before long.
Currently: future neurologist, current psychotherapist Previously: investor relations (top consulting firm), M&A consulting (Big 4), M&A banking (MM)
 

Rainmaker, thanks you very much. However, I think since I am a new member I can't send (or receive?) PMs. If you can shoot me another one very soon that would be awesome. Thanks

M.B.A.(c) | Ph.D. - Biochemistry | M.Sc., B.Sc. - Molecular Biology and Genetics
 

Hi Prospie, Thanks for your post. You actually have a point. I had two reasons for that... 1. After finishing my Ph.D. without a student loan (ever in my education), I wanted to go for a way that will not make a new one or cost me too much. 2. I thought the main selling point on my resume would be the advanced degrees, but the M.B.A. would be mostly to prove that I know the material. I thought an online degree would be enough for that. If you have any suggestions, I would most certainly appreciate your response. Thanks

M.B.A.(c) | Ph.D. - Biochemistry | M.Sc., B.Sc. - Molecular Biology and Genetics
 

ILOVENGUY, I had my education in English since undergrad (1997), and have been teaching in English since grad school (2001). As far as I can see, I am one year older than you. Thanks, Akin

M.B.A.(c) | Ph.D. - Biochemistry | M.Sc., B.Sc. - Molecular Biology and Genetics
 

I think he was referring to the short repetitive sentences for example:

I have a great question for experienced Equity Researchers... I live in Chicago, but I'm open for relocation. I am originally (B.Sc.) from molecular biology and genetics, I have done my M.Sc. in molecular genetics of human cancer, I have finished my Ph.D. in biochemistry in 2011.

Could have been "I'm currently in Chicago but willing to relocate, I hold a BS in molecular biology and genetics, MSc in molecular genetics, and PHD in biochemistry.

The way you have it just seems unnatural. I'm not writing this to make you feel bad, you're obviously intelligent, but just that if I received an email with that format from a prospective employee I would be put off.

 

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