Chances of Breaking into Macro Research vs Equity Research ?

Hi WSO,

I'm going to start applying to FT jobs soon and I was looking to get some advice. I have always been interested in Global Macro and top-down investing vs. the bottom up approach typically seen in ER. As a result, I was planning to apply to FT Research jobs and mention my interest in joining the macro research teams.

However, I had a chat with an associate within a BB quant research group where I had interned. He advised me to be careful about mentioning my specific interest in macro as apparently macro research groups within BB firms (anecdotal evidence from his firm) are typically very small and barely hire at all. He mentioned that it would probably be much easier for me to get into ER or even AM and S&T than into a macro research group.

I'm trying to figure out if this is the case at most firms, and if I should just apply primarily to ER (and prep accordingly) and not mention my specific interest in Macro when interviewing/networking.

Thanks in advance for your valuable advice.