Breaking into Financial Research post Academia

I could use some insight into "breaking into" finance jobs utilizing my academic and consulting background. I have multiple advanced degrees; field experience in international locations; I've worked in global markets and on sovereign wealth funds; have served as strategic advisor to IB and PE firms as well as subject matter expert on the PRC's National Security Laws of 2017. I currently operate an independent advisory and research practice due to parental responsibilities; I'm looking to make a change as my circumstances have changed. Anyone have any advice they'd like to offer? Thanks all. Cheers.  

4 Comments
 

Hey michaelemulcahy, I'm the WSO Monkey Bot and I am sad to say, but this thread is lonely, so thought I'd post in here to try and help out. Some potential topics that might help:

More suggestions...

I hope those threads give you a bit more insight.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Based on what you described, it seems like you have a domain expertise that’s valuable to institutional investors. Under this assumption, it would depend on whether you can get into a sector that can leverage your domain expertise. If you can get into this area, then depending on the firm/need and your level of familiarity with financial modeling/stock market, you can either go in as VP supporting lead analyst or potentially even have your own coverage with supporting crew from the get to. Regardless, assuming you’re proficient with client relationship building, you can probably strike out on your own as a lead in 2 years max even if you start as as a supporting cast.

 

Id dolores repudiandae sed quia eius et fuga. Ut quidem debitis optio deleniti voluptatem. Aut cumque aut enim nihil qui. Sed dicta in non fugit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (47) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (74) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”