What is my next move?

Hi Guys,

I've been trying to make the switch to Equity Research from trading since 2010. Since then, I've only been able to get four Research Associate interviews. I was offered one position, but it required a move to another country. I couldn't pull the trigger because I didn't see possible exit opps that would return me to the states. I went to multiple rounds in the other three, but never made the final cut.

Quick recap of my background: Equity Finance Trader at one of the French banks in their two-year analyst program. Completed all levels of the CFA® during this program. After finishing the two year program and the CFA® exams, I started applying to research jobs. I couldn't keep holding out for a research job, so I then moved to sell-side trading at a small boutique firm. I wasn't very interested in the job, and left to take a chance at a start-up while still looking for a research job. Funding ran out for the start-up, so, I'm back to looking for a research job full-time.

I've applied to every entry-level research job that I've been able to find, but most of the interviews (4 of the 4) I got were connected through my network. I guess my question is "What can I really do next?" Should I keep reaching through my network to try and get another interview somewhere (seems unlikely), keep applying to jobs through job boards, company sites, recruiters (not very successful), go back to school, or just give up on research jobs?

I've thought about doing my own crude research reports and models to include with my applications, but I know a lot of these apps are going to HR, who probably wouldn't really look at those extra attachments.

I am just looking for any advice or comments on my situation.