Equity Research Associate Interview

Hi guys,

I got an interview for an equity associate research position at a BB. Wondering what kind of questions I could expect.

My background: Bachelor's in humanities, master's in finance, CFA LII Candidate, no finance experience, my last job experience was in the government sector as a political analyst, trying to break into finance.

Thanks!

10 Comments
 

On the modeling front, they will want to see how proficient with Excel you are. Probably creating a simple DCF and a comps sheet. You may also be asked to "troubleshoot" an existing spreadsheet (find the deliberate errors).

Writing style is very subjective but they will be looking for your ability to convey your ideas in a clear and easy to read manner under some time pressure. You may be asked to take some recent company results and write up a short comment on the main points.

If you have samples of reports that you have written that you think are quite good (and you are allowed to show them) then bring those along as well.

Good luck.

 

Have several other long stock ideas prepared (1 large-cap,1 mid, 1 small/micro) and be ready to talk about the difference b/t growth and value investing as well as ratios like p/e, p/b, etc.

 

Showing up with some stock ideas is a great idea. However, unless they specifically ask you to do so, showing up with slides will come off as over the top in my opinion. We had one guy do this in an interview and it was quite awkward, maybe it was just him though. I would have your pitches ready in your head and be prepared to discuss them in depth.

 

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