Looking for an ER wiz with 2-4 yrs of exp to come help me build a content engine

I punched out a little over a decade ago from public markets and jumped over to Private Equity. 

I am currently running one of our portfolio companies that is one of the largest software businesses in its niche. There's a huge content/data strategy in our space that is very similar to how Bloomberg functions for finance: it's a feed of content (read: data) that is accurate, free of advertisements, and consolidates information in one place.

I need someone who can "connect the dots" between data and content and can help me build out our engine. Someone who understands how to tell a story from the data and show up with a thesis...Someone who may have worked in ER.

I'm having trouble interviewing candidates with pure content/marketing backgrounds: they lack sophistication with data, they lack a sense of urgency, and they don't know how to get the "secret knowledge" - those tidbits you get from hitting the phones and making connections.

If any of you out there want to take your skillset into something different, I can't promise you a brand name on the resume but I can promise you an education in how to transform a business.

Let me know. 

3 Comments
 

It sounds like you're looking for a unique blend of skills—someone with an Equity Research (ER) background who can leverage their analytical expertise, storytelling ability, and data-driven mindset to build a content engine for your software business. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key points to consider when targeting the right candidate:

  1. Ideal Candidate Profile:

    • ER Experience: Look for someone with 2-4 years of experience in Equity Research, as they are trained to analyze data, develop theses, and communicate insights effectively.
    • Storytelling with Data: ER professionals excel at connecting the dots between raw data and actionable insights, which aligns perfectly with your need for someone who can "tell a story from the data."
    • Hustle and Urgency: ER roles often require hitting the phones, building relationships, and uncovering "secret knowledge" through primary research—skills that are directly transferable to your content/data strategy.
  2. What to Emphasize in Your Pitch:

    • Learning Opportunity: Highlight the chance to transform a business and gain exposure to a unique content/data strategy akin to Bloomberg's model. This could attract candidates looking to diversify their skillset beyond traditional ER roles.
    • Impact: Emphasize the tangible impact they can have on the business, which may appeal to those seeking a more entrepreneurial or hands-on role.
    • Career Growth: While you mentioned the lack of a brand name, you can position this as an opportunity to build something from the ground up, which could be a strong selling point for ambitious candidates.
  3. Where to Look:

    • Networking: Tap into your network or platforms like LinkedIn to find ER professionals who might be open to transitioning into a more entrepreneurial role.
    • WSO Forums: Post your opportunity on Wall Street Oasis, as it’s a hub for finance professionals, including those in ER, who might be exploring new paths.
  4. Interview Focus:

    • Test their ability to synthesize data into actionable insights and develop a thesis.
    • Assess their communication skills and ability to "sell" their ideas, as this is critical for both ER and your content strategy.
    • Gauge their resourcefulness and willingness to dig deep for information, as this aligns with the "hitting the phones" aspect you mentioned.

This role sounds like a fantastic opportunity for someone with an ER background to pivot into a high-impact, entrepreneurial position. Good luck finding the right fit!

Sources: Q&A: Sell Side Equity Research to Software Engineer, Hedge Fund Guru Answering Inbox Questions Here. Thanks Mr. Pink Money, Q&A: Analyst --> Associate at a VC / Growth Equity Firm, Biotech equity research possible with ZERO finance experience?, From a Paper Mill to Call Centre to Back Office IT to Equity Research

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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