Equity Research job

Hi All, I just graduate from my college with a master degree in Economics. My school is a quite prestige school, especially for the Eco department. However, I gave up the path of doing PhD and would like to work in the industry. I am very interested in equity market, and have invested since my junior year at college. I want to work in the position of equity research or anything relevant. I have already passed CFA level I exam. After about two months of intense job hunting, I got nothing close to this type position, even an internship. I never had internship experience in it. Now I am in a position which I don't know what to decide. I don't know should I just go for a job that perfectly matches my education, take what ever a job is and keep doing CFA, or go back to school to have a finance degree. Which one will be better for me. And, which one will still open the door for me in the area I am interested in? Or, there are other good suggestions you guys can give to me. Any comments will be welcome. Thx

10 Comments
 

I would definitely take a finance-related job even if it isn't equity research. The longer you stay unemployed the less likely employers are to hire you (right or wrong, there is a "damaged goods" perception). Your #1 hurdle right now is your lack of experience - getting another degree will NOT fix that.

I really encourage you to talk to professors and alums to get your name out there. Alums are usually glad to help out and will steer you towards openings. Get your foot in the door somewhere then make a name for yourself.

 

Equity Research isn't really a big profit center and with a lot of banks hurting I believe it might be one of the tougher positions to get, especially without prior experience. I'm saying this to give you some perspective, not to squash your hopes.

 
andyinsandiegoEquity Research isn't really a big profit center and with a lot of banks hurting I believe it might be one of the tougher positions to get, especially without prior experience. I'm saying this to give you some perspective, not to squash your hopes.
So which field do you think I should go for that will be a better choice for me and at the same time the job is still doing with the equity market. Thx
 

One more thing is I have interviews with some government departments and institutions. And I believe I could get a job at them if I try hard. The problem is the benefits they offer are much better than any entry level finance-related job can give to me, but the down side is if I go to these institutions I will hardly get any finance-related experience. I am very struggling with this matter, as well.

 

It sounds like in your previous post you have opportunities working with economic research institutions. I'm making somewhat of a leap since you didn't specifically say that, but if that is the case I think that would be a good resume item to move into an associate position once the financial services market turns around and banks are looking to add more staff in the ER department.

 
andyinsandiegoIt sounds like in your previous post you have opportunities working with economic research institutions. I'm making somewhat of a leap since you didn't specifically say that, but if that is the case I think that would be a good resume item to move into an associate position once the financial services market turns around and banks are looking to add more staff in the ER department.
I got a offer from a prop shop, i don't know if that helps for my work experience in future?
 
t.t.h8701Thx for tips.
Good luck. Just be persistent: eventually you'll find an opening, then squeeze it for all it's worth. Get certifications, take night classes if you have to, build a network, and use everything you have as a platform for the next thing until you get where you want.
Get busy living
 
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