Q&A New Mentor | Senior Buyside Analyst – Equity Research, Healthcare Coverage & Breaking into the Buyside
Hey WSO,
Introducing myself as a new mentor on the platform. Happy to answer any questions in this thread and give a sense of what I can help with.
Background
I'm a senior investment analyst at a large institutional fund covering healthcare. My day-to-day involves deep-dive fundamental research, building investment theses, IR meetings with company management, and working with sell-side brokers across the coverage universe. I've been doing this long enough to know what genuinely separates candidates who break in from those who don't.
What I Can Help With
- Breaking into equity research — what the job actually looks like, how to position yourself, what interviewers are really testing for
- Buyside careers — the difference between sell-side ER and buyside research, how to make the jump, what funds look for
- Healthcare sector — navigating a notoriously technical and complex sector, how to build conviction on names, how to talk about it credibly in interviews
- Resume reviews — I screen candidates as part of my actual job, so I know what stands out and what gets ignored
- Mock interviews — stock pitches, investment thesis walkthroughs, behaviorals
Who I'm Best For
Anyone targeting equity research or buyside roles — whether you're a student trying to break in, a sell-sider looking to make the jump, or someone pivoting into healthcare coverage specifically. If that's you, drop your questions below or reach out directly through my profile.
Ask me anything.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key takeaways and advice that align with the expertise of a senior buyside analyst in equity research, particularly in healthcare coverage:
Breaking into Equity Research and Buyside Careers
What Interviewers Look For
Healthcare Sector Insights
Additional Tips
If you’re targeting equity research or buyside roles, particularly in healthcare, focus on these strategies to stand out. Let me know if you have specific questions or need further guidance!
Sources: Q&A and Yet Another Post On How To Break Into The Buy-side, Q&A and Yet Another Post On How To Break Into The Buy-side, Breaking into buy-side equity research - my experience
Hi, I'm interested in targeting ER, particularly healthcare. I'd love to learn more about it, but I can't seem to message you directly. If you don't mind, could you start a message? Much appreciated!
Hi, I was also hoping to ask for some direct advice. I’m currently an MBBS (MD) student aiming to target roles in Equity Research in the next application cycle, and I would really value any guidance on how best to position and showcase my previous experiences to secure a London Summer Internship and/or graduate role.
Also, please could you start a message with me so I may ask some as I can't through here either. Thank you :)
Does not having an MD or PhD limit ER opps or MM HF exits post role?
Short answer - no it doesn't. Most ER analysts covering healthcare don't have an MD or PhD (from what I've seen). What matters is your ability to translate the science into an investment thesis - firms care far more about your analytical process and stock picking instincts than your academic credentials.
That said, where it does matter is at the margin. If you're going up against someone with identical finance experience but they have an MD, some specialist healthcare funds will lean their way.
Can't message you; your post is anon. Going for buy side, hc, therapeutics-focus fund. phd candidate in pharmacology, bsc biochem, bsc finance. Little bit of prior buy-side experience. msg me pls. :)
I’m in biotech ER now in sell side not in a BB. I have been talking to the buyside recruiters and wanted to know, what’s the edge that a PM or IA would expect from me? How does the interviews look like when compared to sell side?
Quae ut totam officiis neque similique. Corporis et et voluptas. Ad officiis nisi et. Ducimus numquam ut non. Dolorum et amet id voluptas cum commodi eum. Et deleniti sit adipisci sed.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...