How to break into ER from Tech Strategy

I'm currently a few years out of undergrad (non-target), working in a Strategy & Operations role at a FAANG-type company. I've always been interested in public markets and have read some popular investing books, but I missed the boat for top finance-related jobs out of college. Now, I'm wondering about the best way to transition into equity research. Is it possible to make this move without an MBA? Should I aim to pivot into a strategic finance role first and then transition into equity research, or would my time be better spent just trying to get into a top MBA program? I'm trying to determine the most effective use of time. Thanks

410 WSO Academy Equity Research Session Reviews: 4.84/5

Springfield College

Class of '29 Sep 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Equity Research Mock Coffee Chat

“Michael gave me very practical, specific advice for breaking into equity research as a freshman. I came in with mixed results from past alumni and industry chats, and he showed me how to make them more useful. He advised tailoring the length and questions of each chat to the contact: start with a brief intro, then pivot to targeted questions tied to their role. For shorter calls, he suggested pinpoint questions that draw out actionable advice. When a contact works in a different area, he told me to phrase my interest broadly and then ask for insight into their team or function, so my goals line up with their work. He also changed how I prepare. He told me to read the analyst’s published reports or their firm’s research before the call and to bring one or two stock or sector ideas and ask for their take, which shows I’ve done my homework. He suggested using school resources like terminals and the finance club to gather sources and data. On building my resume, he recommended continuing to publish on a Substack or website, pursuing WSO or part-time research projects, and applying to the WSO equity research internship or similar programs, then adding the published pieces to my resume and portfolio. He also told me to join my school finance club and get Bloomberg access. Finally, he coached me to ask for introductions during the call when it comes up, to repeat the request in the thank-you email, and to explicitly ask who they’d recommend and offer to follow up. I left with clear action items I can start on right away.”

Class of '25 Nov 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Equity Research Career Roadmap (optional)

“Chris was very easy to talk to and made the session feel relaxed and genuinely useful. He gave me clear, actionable tasks that I can go away and work on straight away to expand my network. I hope to reconvene with him at a later date to discuss the progress I have made and get his feedback on the work I have been doing.”

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+13	Is Equity Research Dying - Where Are the Future Opportunites?	4	4d
+10	Associates who stuck around for > 5 years working for the same analyst. Why?	4	1w
+9	Detailed Revenue and Cost Builds	3	1w
+7	Analyst with no coverage or ranking	5	1w
+6	Preparation for grad scheme - buyside ER	1	1d
+1	IB SA -> ER FT	4	2w
0	Equity Research Rankings	1	1w

1	redever	99.2
2	BankonBanking	99.0
3	Secyh62	99.0
4	kanon	99.0
5	Betsy Massar	98.9
6	DrApeman	98.9
7	GameTheory	98.9
8	CompBanker	98.9
9	dosk17	98.9
10	Mimbs	98.8

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How to break into ER from Tech Strategy

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How to break into ER from Tech Strategy

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