Tech. Analyst here. Please clarify my understanding of getting into ER.
Background: Eng. + Economics from Berkeley. 3.4 cgpa (upward trend. major gpa's - 3.6+), 780 Quant GRE
Current: Technology analyst in big data and data science at a large consulting firm.
Interests: Econometrics type modelling, Predictive Analytics in the Healthcare and High Tech markets. Very interested in researching how market movements affect the growth trajectories of companies. Seems to be most in line with a position in Equity Research.
Based upon what I've been reading in these threads, I have a few questions:
1. CFA is recommended for ER. Is it better to have this in combination with an MSF or MSFE or can it be standalone?
2. MSF vs. MSFE? When looking into programs, what courses or topics should I make sure are covered?
3. Masters in Business Analytics, etc. programs exist as well. Is it better to look into those instead of MSF, MSFE?
4. Given my background, what should I do to improve myself as an applicant?
5. Does Equity Research even fit my interests?
Edit: Truly appreciate everyone's input and advice.
Economic/litigation consulting?
Hm don't quite know what either would encompass. Based upon the link the previous person posted, it definitely parallels what the person answering the questions does which seems more investment research, identifying trends, looking at Betas, etc.
So I guess that would fall under economic? Would that be correct?
CFA/MBA and other things are good to have....not required really.
For ER the most important thing is your market knowledge. Since you have Healthcare knowledge...at least some basic industry knowledge...follow some Healthcare stocks.....Intuitive Surgical, Johnson& Johnson etc. There are usually a decent amount of openings in Healthcare groups. Read some Annual Reports, Model some financial statements in Excel, and of course valuation- DCF, Comps, Sum of the parts etc.
Quant knowledge will be of very limited use...Almost everything in ER is based on core Fundamental Analysis and/or catalyst driven. A great starting point would be reading a few annual reports and following some stocks....you will be asked to pitch a lot of stocks- long and/or short...if and when you interview.
So it seems like whats mainly required is deep market insight. What about the predictive modelling, econoemtrics components, etc.?
I've done Corporate Finance, Financial Economics, Industrial Org., International Trade, Econometrics, and other Econ classes but I haven't done Accounting, Financial Statement analysis or anything like that. My interests are more on the market data.
Does that fill in line more with what people want when they say they want a PhD level quant analyst?
MBA. Or lots of luck + networking + CFA.
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