Equity Sales or Equity Research or Something Else??

Will try to keep this brief. I've taken an interest in pursuing a Sales Trader role out of IB and my interests seem to most align with Equity Sales. However, there's not many posts in recent years on here regarding Equity Sales and most posts from years ago claim the industry is on "decline" or not to pursue it due to lack of skillset developed or job security/exits (not sure if any of this is even true)?

The work though aligns exactly with what I'm looking for and my passions in terms of following equity markets, staying on top of news and macro, client interactions, relationship building, etc.

My skillset from IB obviously aligns more with ER and I have the opportunity to join a team there now but I don't really care for continuing to be focused on getting in the weeds, modeling and very analytical work versus speaking and sharing ideas with others.

Just want to make sure I don't make a decision I regret. Is perhaps a safer route pursuing another sales role like rates or fixed income sales?

Thanks all and happy to chat with anyone.

14 Comments
 
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Ignore my title, I work on the buyside. I think equity sales is under rated and I'd definitely consider a path into it if I knew what I knew now.

The job is to basically listen to SS talk about their stocks, send email about what analysts publish and care about, and wine and dine clients on the company's dime.

I wouldn't listen to what people say about exit opps. The opps are limited within finance sure, but you're developing the most important skill in most other industries, which is the ability to sell. Go browse reddit and see what the med, tech/SaaS sales people are making. The skillset also lends itself to traditional corporate roles, especially if you get the CFA, but unnecessary given your IB background.

You'd be surprised at how much the salespeople know about stocks, it'll likely be enough to scratch your itch without being a full blown ER associate.

 

For comp, no way. Fine if you don’t like to deal with too many people and like analyzing the market but in terms of fun and comp and getting a broad skill set sales is awesome. Sales over research any day. 

 

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