ALternative Energy Equity Analyst Associate

Hey everyone. I am a 27 yr old chem engineer who has been working within a F500 chem producer as an energy and chem analyst for a few years. What I mean is that I study the energy and chem markets in support of our buy and sell activities.

I have also developed a fairly simplistic NG hedge program which has taken off quite well.

In order to give my company an edge in terms of cost reduction and risk avoidance, I have also been researching alternative energy over the course of the past year. (think solar, alternative fuels, etc.)

I should also add that I did work for a BB early in my career, not in ibanking, but for an MD who was also an engineer, basically what we did was that we consulted local companies about energy and oil markets, how it effected their markets, and what they can do to help themselves. The MD had many years of chem industry experience and had sort of invented this business within the BB, they allowed him to continue largely because it strengthened the relationships with the chem ind. Sadly, he had a severe health issue and retired, so I went on to work for one of our clients.

As a result of my year at a BB, I have ever since been quite aware of your world and how it parallels mine. I would like to enter equity research mostly because this is the portion of my current job I enjoy most. I love to learn about an industry, the major players, the technology, go to trade shows, establish contacts, all in order to give my company a competitive advantage. (In finance, of course I would be identifying the best investment, and yes, I know there can be a significant difference between a good business with which to work in the long term and a good investment.)

Here is the extent of my finance knowledge: I can analyze the major yearly and quarterly statements (cash flow, P&L, etc.) to perform ratio analyses and such. This information I use mostly to qualify a potential supplier or buyer. A whole lot more than that, I do not know. However, I am a very fast learner, and I am not intimidated by finance.

My questions to you are the following:

1) Do you think a research associate role would be a step backwards for me?

2) Can I get in any other way?

3) How well qualified to you believe a person in my position to be? Bear in mind that very few know anything at all about alternative energy, and I am extremely knowledgeable

4) Does anyone have any HARD numbers as to research associate's salary and bonus?

Please, (and I mean no offense) college kids need not reply, I frankly could care less about what your non-existant friend thinks or said. I am genuinely asking for meaningful advice from people with experience in the industry.

And by the way, Mis Ind, your story of success in spite of unbelieveable adversity is nothing short of an inspiration!

As a fellow woman working in a man's field, I salute you!

Thank you in advance for your input,

ChemE.