How long until a new equity research associate understands the coverage area and can add value?

I'm a new college grad, starting an equity research job at a BB soon. How quickly can I realistically expect to get up to speed? How many months until I understand the coverage area and can add value? How long until I'll be more knowledgeable about my companies than the average buysider?

Tips for speeding up the process?

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Not unlike banking. ~6 months is around it should start coming together - depending how complex your coverage is (like Biotech vs consumer). By the time you are fully licensed, you should be able to talk knowledgably about your coverage with clients, remember you are specialized in ~20 names, whereas your clients may hold ~50 companies and watch news flow for 100+.

Key thing: acknowledge when you dont know something and follow up. Don't BS stuff

Go all the way
 

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