Unsure about career

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to consider:

1. Staying in Sell-Side ER:

   • Staying in sell-side equity research (SS ER) for another 1–2 years could help you build a stronger foundation for a buy-side role, especially if you’re getting solid exposure to modeling and stock input.
   • However, as highlighted in WSO threads, the skill set in SS ER tends to plateau after 2 years. Your exit opportunities after year 2 are often the same as after year 5, so extending your time in SS ER may not significantly enhance your profile unless you lateral to a bigger platform or a hot sector.
   • If your goal is to move to the buy-side, it’s generally recommended to make the jump after 1–2 years in SS ER, as buy-side firms often prefer more junior talent.

2. Taking the Product Strategy Role:

   • The product strategy role at a sizeable ETF manager offers a pay bump and relocation to a tier 1 city, which are attractive benefits. While it’s not a direct buy-side role, it’s buy-side adjacent and could still keep the door open for a future move to a long-only (LO) or asset management (AM) firm.
   • However, transitioning from a product strategy role to a pure investment role on the buy-side might be more challenging compared to moving directly from SS ER. You’d need to demonstrate strong investment acumen and networking to make the switch.

3. Key Considerations:

   • If your ultimate goal is a buy-side investment role, staying in SS ER for another year or two could position you better, especially if you can lateral to a bigger platform or a more prestigious sector.
   • On the other hand, the product strategy role could be a good move if you value the pay bump, tier 1 city relocation, and are open to a slightly less direct path to the buy-side. It might also provide a broader perspective on the asset management industry, which could be valuable in the long term.

Recommendation:

If you’re confident in your ability to network and leverage the product strategy role to eventually transition to the buy-side, it could be a worthwhile move. However, if you want to maximize your chances of landing a buy-side seat in the near term, staying in SS ER for another 1–2 years and potentially lateraling to a bigger platform might be the safer bet.

Sources: Feel Trapped, Exit Opps From Sell-Side ER?, A warning to those aiming for Sell Side Equity Research, A warning to those aiming for Sell Side Equity Research, Would you leave in this situation?, Feel Trapped, Exit Opps From Sell-Side ER?