Is this stupid?

To keep it brief - have worked in the finance space in more analytical roles (credit / research to be exact) but am thinking of possibly moving into an area within financial services that will push me to develop my soft skills which require major work. I am studying for the CFA with the ultimate goal of transitioning into the buy side as a research associate and eventually investment associate. Interest is in distressed investing. Would it be a bad idea to temporarily move away from research into a role in investor relations or client services?

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In the long run it will ultimately impact my career. To a good degree promotions are affected by soft skills and in an industry where you’re surrounded by certain kinds of people, those are especially critical. I am attractive but awkward. Communication and assertiveness can be better. I noticed not so sharp guys are able to gain credibility simply by having amazing soft skills even if I can personally sense a lack of understanding on technical things. Not sure if anyone agrees with this part but I do see how kind of ridiculous or extreme it would be to completely move into a different path simply to challenge myself to become better with this. Research and credit is what I am genuinely interested in and want to continue to build on my modeling skills etc.

 

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