Research pay - worse than S&T? Ask for more?

Been awhile since I've been here! This isn't ER but didn't know where else to post this.

I was a 2nd year analyst in commodities sales at a BB when I got laid off at the start of 2009. I couldn't find anything and ended up in a sales-type role at an independent research firm. They matched my previous base salary but obviously the bonus is nothing even close to the same. The job is also boring. I realized I want to do research instead of sales so had been looking for roles there.

After being there for almost a year I've received an offer from a bank to join their commodities research team, which is my ideal role. However because I'm moving from sales to research, they're considering me a graduate hire. This means that my starting salary is going to be less than what I'm on now. I know it's obviously got better pay prospects within the first 1-2 years with bonus etc., but for the time being I have to pay my rent.

Should I ask for more money, or just take what they've offered and make it work? With smaller companies I've asked for a higher offer but with banks I always thought they pay all graduates a standard salary. Also is it standard for research to be paid less than sales/trading? My understanding is that at this bank S&T graduates are getting paid more.

Thanks

6 Comments
 

that sounds like an awesome and interesting job. I would take it and be quiet. Take the abuse from my landlord about moving out early, find a cheaper apartment, and start anew.

whether or not S&T makes more is inconsequential. Besides, unless they are decently experienced hires I don't think anyone should ask for a raise before even showing any work. It sounds crazy to me tbh.

But congratulations! Commodity research is something like what I'd like to be doing someday. Did you use a headhunter or alumni networking?

 

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