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.
 

Magni veritatis eos dolor ipsum qui quo accusantium. Sapiente qui omnis id quaerat assumenda quis. Sed consequatur ea ut sunt voluptatum. Velit vitae perferendis nulla possimus voluptatem nisi commodi quis. Quidem omnis consequatur rerum voluptates dolorem eius. Sequi soluta aut ut odit hic.

Et dignissimos quam consectetur. Quos adipisci sunt laborum. Et est eius mollitia maiores rerum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (47) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (74) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
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...”