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?
So you're going from research to research? I don't see why you need to develop your soft skills so extremely that you'd veer off into an entirely different career path to do so.
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.
If you're in sell-side research (which I'm semi-assuming you are) then isn't half your role already client-based? In which case try take these soft skills and gradually nurture them in your current role, one at a time, until you're at a point where you're satisfied.
To some degree yes but not directly. Interaction is through the bankers
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