Sophomore, low semi-target, late start into finance recruiting. Feasible for equity research/credit research/risk? What technicals should I actually be learning right now?
Background: Econ major/Math minor Sophomore at a low semi-target. Freshman year I was on a grad-school-for-econ-research track ( was gunning for a macro/strategy type role eventually requiring a masters or PhD). Realized a few weeks ago I'd rather get into industry now instead of waiting years for that payoff, so I pivoted- but which means I have minimal industry connections, club involvement, or financial/accounting coursework (econ isn't in the business school here) compared to people who've been recruiting since freshman year.
I want a role where I could be compensated at the level I want, but still utilize my economics/quantitive, and research background heavily, as well as a path that I believe is feasible to land a role, despite starting late a bit late in recruiting. I decided on equity research, credit research, and risk management. With the order giving the desired levels of roles I’d want to end up in, with first being the highest.
I’d appreciate any advice/insight regarding my questions:
- Realistically, are these roles still feasible from where I'm starting, or am I kidding myself?
- How much do the technicals for each actually cross over in equity research, . credit research and risk? To what extent do I need to specialize in one path before an internship, versus learning the differences during the internship in whichever I would get?
- Which of these skills can I realistically self-teach now vs. which ones I'll basically only pick up once I'm actually in an internship? Resources I can use? For example, would the invesment banking 400 questio guide help?
- For landing these types of internships at Boutique/buldge bracket sell side/major buy side shops my junior year internship, what should I be looking for this upcoming summer? Are sophomore leadership/diversity programs/early careeer programs (Citi, MS, Deutsche Bank, etc.) still feasible or am I too late at major banks/buy side shops? Would something like wealth management at a local firm for the upcoming summer still prove to be helpful?
Resumes for context, first is general, second is oreinted for risk roles

Beatae aut repudiandae facilis qui. Soluta voluptate est sunt recusandae consequatur odio ducimus soluta. Laboriosam qui eaque nihil quod qui autem repellendus.
In velit hic vel nemo magni. Ab est sit vitae.
Corrupti ut dolores aut totam fugiat. Officia illum minus dicta sit. Officia repudiandae repudiandae sed. Fugiat dolorem id explicabo. Voluptatem rerum sed dignissimos consectetur dolores saepe rerum necessitatibus.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...