Mar 12, 2023

Path to Director of Research

Was wondering how long it takes for someone to eventually hit director of research at a bank. How would this person be promoted to the position?

415 WSO Academy Equity Research Session Reviews: 4.84/5

Class of '18 Nov 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Equity Research Career Roadmap (optional)

“Aditya provided a pathway very specific for my background as a consultant looking for a career change. He provided additional resources I can look into and how to build a portfolio that will leverage my experience. ”

Springfield College

Class of '29 Sep 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Equity Research Mock Coffee Chat

“Michael gave me very practical, specific advice for breaking into equity research as a freshman. I came in with mixed results from past alumni and industry chats, and he showed me how to make them more useful. He advised tailoring the length and questions of each chat to the contact: start with a brief intro, then pivot to targeted questions tied to their role. For shorter calls, he suggested pinpoint questions that draw out actionable advice. When a contact works in a different area, he told me to phrase my interest broadly and then ask for insight into their team or function, so my goals line up with their work. He also changed how I prepare. He told me to read the analyst’s published reports or their firm’s research before the call and to bring one or two stock or sector ideas and ask for their take, which shows I’ve done my homework. He suggested using school resources like terminals and the finance club to gather sources and data. On building my resume, he recommended continuing to publish on a Substack or website, pursuing WSO or part-time research projects, and applying to the WSO equity research internship or similar programs, then adding the published pieces to my resume and portfolio. He also told me to join my school finance club and get Bloomberg access. Finally, he coached me to ask for introductions during the call when it comes up, to repeat the request in the thank-you email, and to explicitly ask who they’d recommend and offer to follow up. I left with clear action items I can start on right away.”

See All 11,777 WSO Academy Reviews

2 Comments

rich_toad

I am pretty sure most senior analysts have no interest of becoming a DoR, so you just have to volunteer.

DoR is a management role, not an individual contributor role,. Most senior analysts just want to make more money without dealing with politics of convincing the Head of Equities that equity research still adds value.

Same analogy why some senior trader at Goldman Sachs made as much as DJ Sol.

Quote

Report

Other

Authored by: Certified Asset Management Professional - Research AnalystCertified Asset Management Pro

Incoming Analyst in ER

Eos consequatur accusantium cum ut voluptas nam nisi dicta. Officia voluptas provident aliquam placeat est vero. Itaque accusamus ea nihil velit consequuntur omnis dolorem repellat. Magnam voluptatibus sunt cumque voluptas est beatae ut excepturi. Sapiente totam nisi ut dolore consequatur deserunt expedita hic.

Quis ut nisi consequuntur nostrum maiores et. Repellendus reiciendis aliquid in quia consequatur ex blanditiis. Beatae facilis voluptas totam aut dolor expedita. Doloremque aut vitae autem consequatur. Assumenda quos aut assumenda culpa error possimus et.

Porro laudantium quia ipsam. Qui consequatur eaque reiciendis quas facere molestiae. Consectetur maiores quia voluptatibus architecto ipsum. Aut eaque dicta blanditiis perferendis ratione consequatur amet temporibus.

Ipsam assumenda eum quisquam. Beatae soluta quis minus inventore sint aut. Et delectus eos tempore id. Reprehenderit praesentium ut est odio delectus odio tempora.

Quote

Report

Other

1	redever	99.2
2	Secyh62	99.0
3	BankonBanking	99.0
4	kanon	99.0
5	dosk17	98.9
6	Betsy Massar	98.9
7	GameTheory	98.9
8	CompBanker	98.9
9	DrApeman	98.9
10	bolo up	98.8

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Path to Director of Research

Score Breakdown

Feedback

Score Breakdown

Feedback

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Path to Director of Research

See All Comments - 100% Free