Transitioning to ER from IR

Hey guys, longtime lurker and first time poster.

I was wondering if anyone here has ever successfully transitioned from an Investor Relations role to a Research Associate role?

If so did anyone do it networking with the sell-side analysts that cover your company? Or is this frowned upon in the industry? I'd like to note that the head of IR is completely aware of my transparent ambitions to transition to equity research and has no issue with me pursuing any opportunities.

My experience in IR has granted me access to a database of sell-side reports and I've completed Breaking into Wall Street's course so I'm familiar the basics of what it takes to create good content.

Finally, would it make any sense for me to complete the Series 7/86/87 exams in my current role? My current firm would cover the costs but I'm just not sure if it would make meaningful difference.

I'm currently 26 which has made me a feel a tad desperate about my future prospects so any insights and suggestions are appreciated.

 
Best Response

It has been done and covering the same industry you work in may help since you will likely be first to know when an associate position opens up. However, a more common move is ER to IR. Not sure if you can even sit for the series exams if not currently in a security related position. So you wouldn't be expected to have them coming from IR. Sitting for the CFA may be more helpful to show interest in research.

 

Hi Sjfoo, check out these resources:

  • Investor Relations roles at BB a BB would involve? Day to day? Also, anyone know what pay and progression is like? Thanks, Investor ... interesting and far less modelling intensive than traditional banking. Does anybody know what an IR role at ... Relations ...
  • Using an Investor Relations role for IB Internship next year? opportunity at a relatively big multinational in the Investor Relations department as a summer analyst. During ... Hey guys, So I'll try to avoid making this TLDR. Currently a sophomore. Didn't manage to ... my first round, they mentionned how they recently got a new VP IR and are switching to a more ...
  • Investor Relations, PE Hello All, I was recently offered a role as an investor relations analyst at a mid size private ... appreciated! Need to make a decision on the offer in 12 hours. Investor Relations ... move will be worth it. What kind of career does an investor relations personnel typically follow? ...
  • Investor Relations firm to Equity Research field I've got an offer regarding investor relations (IR). The company offering this role is an IR ... firm. I am interested in equity research. May I know what is the exit opportunity for this role? Is it ... possible for me to become PE analyst, HF analyst or IBD analyst? Thanks! Investor Relations ...
  • Investor relations?? & downs of that kind of job. Does working my way into some kind of investor relations role at fund ... analysis/underwriting/evaluating that goes along with commercial real estate. I realize banks have roles which encompass these ... personality skills (loan originators) but I think I would be able to really maximize my value in other areas. ...
  • DE Shaw Investor Relations DE Shaw are always advertising for Investor Relations roles (Associate). Does anyone know what the ... really only lead to a marketing / sales role down the line. Does anyone know what kind of people they ... exit ops would be for a role like this? It's a great firm but I'm assuming that this would ...
  • Investor Relations Interview- VP of IR at a F500 think I should prep for? I know I'll be ask what attracted me to IR and why I'm leaving my ... current role in Corporate Strategy. Do you think it will be tech heavy (walk me through a DCF, ect.)? ...
  • More suggestions...

Maybe one of our professional members will share their wisdom: ThrowADart cathy4everlp Mgruseke

Hope that helps.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Et eius labore aut. Blanditiis suscipit quod eos harum dicta quibusdam soluta blanditiis. Quia alias odit quod voluptatem quaerat aperiam nihil. Et voluptatibus omnis qui dolorem. Est maiores doloribus excepturi maxime numquam optio voluptatum. Voluptas deleniti atque veniam repellendus omnis ullam.

Totam nostrum tenetur qui molestiae. Velit cupiditate consequatur a voluptatum esse optio eveniet. Saepe quibusdam occaecati quisquam ipsum omnis.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (145) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”