MM Equity Research out of ugrad

I'm considering getting into ER after graduation. I have two boutique IB (or will have) internships under my belt along with a 5 month internship in public finance. I go to a nontarget with a 3.4 gpa.

I've done a lot of searching on this site, just trying to get some more info. Please feel to correct me if I'm wrong...

  • better hours (50-60hrs a week, 7am-5pm) IB
  • no pitching (bitch work)
  • more facetime
  • more creative work

How is equity research as far as pay/lifestyle/culture at MM firms like Jefferies, Harris, Stifel..? How about places in west coast (non NY)

I've been interested in the corporate finance space since starting college but just started looking into ER after hearing so much about the work in IB. What skills should I look into gaining if I wanted to get into ER after grad? Does my boutique IB experience give me a leg up in getting in ER?

Also, what do ER associates/analysts actually do on a day-to-day basis, as in who are they supporting where are there fees being generated from? Is there work more corporate finance related (valuation, pricing, comparables) or work done in HFs and S&T?

Would appreciate some info. I know its a lot...I guess I'll give SBs out to anyone who can help me.

 
Best Response
  • better hours (50-60hrs a week, 7am-5pm) ER (MD+) ~500-900K. Top ER, 1-2M+. Avg MD Banker: 1-2M

  • no pitching (bitch work) Plenty of bitch work. YOu work for the buy-side--making charts runnning a model on 10 diff scenarios, marketing books (pitch books) etc

  • more facetime LESS face time. If it is a slow day, you get to go home early. All ER on the West Coast starts ~5am, so on a slow day ur out ~4-4:30 p.m.

  • more creative work Probably. You are always trying to learn and find out new ways to add value by searching govt databases and taking raw data spending hours to manipulate etc...

How is equity research as far as pay/lifestyle/culture at MM firms like Jefferies, Harris, Stifel..? How about places in west coast (non NY) The only thing i know, is that pay is less than BB (naturally), and they treat ER a little worse i.e. they wont pay for your cab when walking around marketing in NYC in 100 degree weather in a $2000 wso/">suit.

I've been interested in the corporate finance space since starting college but just started looking into ER after hearing so much about the work in IB. What skills should I look into gaining if I wanted to get into ER after grad? Does my boutique IB experience give me a leg up in getting in ER? Yes, it does. But the spots are limited--start networking like non-other.

Also, what do ER associates/analysts actually do on a day-to-day basis, as in who are they supporting where are there fees being generated from? Is there work more corporate finance related (valuation, pricing, comparables) or work done in HFs and S&T?

Please, just search for this answer.

Would appreciate some info. I know its a lot...I guess I'll give SBs out to anyone who can help me

 

I don't know much about ER. However ER is not like banking were the top firms like GS and MS dominate. In ER its all about which analyst you work under. Therefore if you work under a well known analyst at a MM it will be much better than working a no-name analyst at GS.

 
jimz:
I don't know much about ER. However ER is not like banking were the top firms like GS and MS dominate. In ER its all about which analyst you work under. Therefore if you work under a well known analyst at a MM it will be much better than working a no-name analyst at GS.

I see this argument made a lot. And while it is true to a point, having a name brand on your resume if/when you try to search for a new job will make a difference as well.

 

Does that include if you, say, are trying to move from ER to HF within the same region? That is would I rather be working for a strong analyst if I plan on staying in a smaller financial city throughout my ENTIRE career, or will the brand name be more beneficial in this case?

Great info gentlemen (and ladies?), thanks a lot!

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 

Et et et nihil numquam. Temporibus aspernatur et totam dolores tempora ducimus. Dolore omnis eum et tenetur mollitia. Impedit dolorem non dolor rerum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
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...”