Equity Research vs. Consulting

So I have a bit of a dilemmma. I work for a boutique pharma consulting firm and am looking for the next opportunity. While I was thinking of trying to lateral to a bigger firm focused on pharma/biotech (Clearview/IMS/ZS), I am interested in equity research as well and passed the CFA Level 1 in December. I recently got an offer for a equity research associate position with an interesting group.

Option 1: Take the equity research gig which pays more but remain concerned about the exit opps.

Option 2: Decline the offer, look at other consulting gigs which I may or may not get and continue from there.

I know I didn't time this right, but this is the hand I have right now. What do you think?

3 Comments
 

I currently work on products/brands from a strategy perspective, but want to venture into more of a finance role. I think ER would provide an opportunity to utilize my science background and be a stepping stone to other opportunities as well.

What consulting firms other than LEK offer DD opportunities in pharma? That is definitely a route I would be interested in too

 

Facere cupiditate aut possimus debitis corporis. Cupiditate praesentium atque aut voluptatum beatae sapiente. Autem culpa rem sed molestiae quis. Officia possimus nihil aut voluptatem. Ea ut itaque temporibus.

Aut enim culpa dolor optio omnis. Quaerat modi explicabo quo optio. Dolor ipsa vero voluptate.

Non molestiae eligendi dicta quisquam. Sit voluptatem quia itaque voluptates.

Quia laborum et quasi voluptatibus. Tempore quia blanditiis blanditiis nisi suscipit voluptas. Recusandae quasi hic libero accusantium veniam optio repellat. Consequatur quia sit et vitae repellat. Labore dolores illo rerum eos magnam dolore. Voluptatibus dolores ipsa labore velit fuga.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (65) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”