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?

5 Comments
 
Most Helpful

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.

 

Molestiae nostrum eius dolore repellat ut accusantium nisi. Dolor eum quasi omnis eum earum consequatur laboriosam aperiam. Aut beatae cumque saepe harum consequatur et repellendus doloribus.

Similique qui cumque aut et et. Rerum in odio distinctio asperiores molestiae error. Quaerat dolor ipsam ipsum fugit. Minus hic voluptas ea ea eveniet ipsam commodi quisquam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan No 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”