Full-Time Equity Research Recruiting
I'm currently a Summer Analyst in the Healthcare Investment Banking group at a middle-market firm, and over the course of the summer I've realized that investment banking absolutely isn't the right long-term fit for me. I'm much more interested in pursuing Equity Research and public markets.
My biggest concern is the recruiting process. If I receive a return offer, I'd likely need to decline it in order to recruit for ER, which means entering my senior year without a full-time job lined up. That feels like a significant risk.
What does the typical full-time recruiting timeline for Equity Research look like, particularly for candidates who didn't intern in ER during their junior summer? It seems like there are relatively few job postings online compared to investment banking. Is that normal, and are most roles filled through internship return offers? Will more job postings appear throughout the fall?
More broadly, would it be reasonable to decline a banking return offer and recruit specifically for Equity Research? If so, what would a successful recruiting strategy and timeline look like?
