Equity Research to Corp Dev - Is it possible to make this switch?
After working as an equity research associate for a couple of years, is it possible to exit into a corp development role at one of the companies in your coverage universe? Is it a viable exit strategy for someone in ER?
Yes, this happens all the time, especially for companies in your coverage universe. You will need to position yourself as somebody with strong industry knowledge as you don't have transaction experience. If you are looking at companies outside your industry it will be tougher but you can still draw corollaries to your valuation / modeling experience.
I made this switch -- went from equity research into strategy/m&a. However, I did it in a company outside of my coverage. Was definitely possible, and I'd argue that my equity research experience positioned me well to really nail the interview process that I went through.
cob5
I'm currently seeking a transition into a corporate role. I've been inequity research both buyside and sellside for over 10 years. I have a few connections and contacts in several top global 100 companies. However, so far, I have had a tough time breaking into the corporate environment. The recurring feedback has been 1) I am over qualified (a pretty lame pushback in my view as you're either qualified for the job or you're not) 2) you don't have the relevant direct (corporate) experience. Since I am not ready to relocate yet, so the companies I cover are out of the questions. You mentioned you successfully made such move. Would you please share with me how did you go about it?
many thanks
Strategy usually looks for banking or consulting experience. But honestly strategy stuff is not too difficult to understand... it's a lot of drawing pictures and telling stories through PPT. Not sure if all strategy people are in the same boat, but the team that I work on now understood that, and so they weren't limiting themselves to just banking or consulting candidates. EQR also is sometimes just lumped into that "banking" category.
Equity research experience helped in that going into the interview, I was able to pretty much understand a ton about the company and its strategy just by doing some research (learned from EQR) on the company and the industry. I also was able to ask a lot of good questions, which I think helped in the process. Basically, the skills you learn in EQR are great for interviews
ER -> Corporate Strategy/Development (Originally Posted: 11/22/2011)
How often do ER analysts/associates switch careers to corporate strategy or development? It seems as though a lot of the skills and knowledge you'd gain in ER could be applicable in-house at a F500. Are there times during one's career where the move is common? And which level positions would you transition into?
This is correct, don't be discouraged by the "2 years banking / consulting required" descriptions. Most will count your experience into this category and even if they don't you can convince them it is relevant with the above advice.
I don't think its that uncommon...at my company (F500 tech) there are two guys that I know that have joined strategy / development teams...one at a very senior level and the other at a mid-manager level. So it's definitely possible and can definitely happen at varying career stages.
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