Equity Research Analyst (NO UNDERGRAD) --> IBD?

Hello,
Hope you're all well. Looking for some advice here as a pre-university student.

I'm looking at next steps, and it appears to me that there's a basic entry-level role for an Equity Research Analyst at a BB that I can apply to. My main goal would be going through to a field like M&A, though; this is something I feel I would enjoy more and be better suited to. I enjoy the client-facing aspect & the fact that I could also move into M&A consultancy from here.

I'm just wondering the feasibility of going from a equity research analyst, into this role & trying to move into something like M&A without the leverage of a degree.

The positive is, is that this role involves shadowing of the analyst positions in sales or similar - which I guess would be the port of call I would be using to leverage into a Front Office role.

If I'm wrong, I apologise - I would greatly appreciate any corrections - and any advice in general regarding this situation as I feel a bit lost.

Comments (23)

2mo 
0xf1b.z, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Hey, no it isn't. But, I'd assume if I do well on the first portion of the course I would be able to hold down my position as an apprentice for that length, at least. Does this change anything?

2mo 
0xf1b.z, what's your opinion? Comment below:

What is it, in this case?

  • Intern in HF - EquityHedge
2mo 

ER is front office

  • 1
2mo 
0xf1b.z, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Sorry, I worded poorly. I meant moving from ER + no degree into the M&A field.

2mo 
0xf1b.z, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Thanks for this.

2mo 
0xf1b.z, what's your opinion? Comment below:

I got it. Thanks for the help!

2mo 
0xf1b.z, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Hey, I was referring to Morgan Stanley's programme. It's level 4. They run one with a worldwide apprenticeship provider.

Thanks for the input, won't progress it.

2mo 
0xf1b.z, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Any way to differentiate roles of a front-office and a back-office/mid-office role?

It mentioned support of the sales team which I'd presume. Apart from that it was to do with processing broker votes, or something similar - which sounded a bit more mid-back office work now I think of it.

  • Associate 2 in ER
2mo 

I know exactly what this is as these apprentices work in my dept. It is quite simply a support role on collating broker votes, assisting on the admin for webcasts/expert calls we host and scheduling for marketing trips the lead analysts make. Please note, it is not a front office revenue generating role and you will not be an equity research analyst. 

  • 1
2mo 
Sequoia, what's your opinion? Comment below:

There is 0% chance any remotely reputable shop would ever take someone w/out a bachelor's degree

2mo 
0xf1b.z, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Hello, Thanks for the input. It's been helpful to understand more senior people's understanding on this. I'm very new to this.

1mo 
matt19215, what's your opinion? Comment below:

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