Sell-side Equity or Credit research. Which is better?

Hi everyone, 


I am considering moving from a buy-side IG credit research role to a sell-side research role. I am considering an equity research and a credit research role both at the same firm. Which role do you generally think is the more attractive job in terms of exit opportunities, general career trajectory, work/life balance, and pay?


I want to be more certain of my preference going into interviews. Also, my understanding is that credit might be a more stable/safe place to be since it is more insulated from the fee compression and passive investing forces in the sector right now. 


Thank you.

 

I can speak to the equity side and provide half of what you’re looking for.

Exit opportunities for sellside equity research associates are buyside equity research and corporate, though the latter might not be that attractive. If you stay on the sellside long enough to become an analyst, the corporate opportunities can improve.

As an associate, it’s probably around 60 hours a week, with spikes to 80 or so during earnings season. Depending on your analyst, you may or may not have to work weekends.

In terms of pay, there are some threads here on that so I won’t repeat.

In terms of the shrinking field, there’s some of that on the sellside. But it’s more a slow narrowing than anything. If you’re in with a solid firm, you should be fine especially if you’re already thinking about exit (not planning to spend decades on the sellside).

 

Is there a difference between buy side research associate/analyst and an investing role on the buy side?

Like is an equity research associate on the Buyside not the same as an investment analyst at a hedge fund/mutual fund?

 

Voluptas molestiae tempora et laboriosam repellat excepturi. Aut tempore unde suscipit minima mollitia quia cupiditate.

Quam et beatae omnis voluptatem beatae. Nihil velit sint quo et voluptatem distinctio. Eos hic aut dolore qui maiores. Et consequatur possimus itaque. Aut molestiae aut similique quis et ad ea aut.

And can it ever be?

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

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

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 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

March 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

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (199) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”