Research career map.

So, how can you get a job in investment research and what future potential careers could this lead on to? The large investment banks and asset managers recruit a large number of graduates direct from University each year. They usually provide an initial training program for the graduates and are therefore happy to recruit from a variety of degree disciplines. Not just those with a finance or economics degree. Regardless all recruits will require a strong academic record and usually from the top Universities or Business Schools. Smaller brokerage firms and asset managers tend to recruit experienced analysts from the sell side that have a proven track record. They'll therefore expect these recruits to join as desk ready analysts. There are also opportunities for those looking to move into a research role as an experienced hire from outside the research industry. These are often referred to as lateral hires. These lateral hires usually have expertise in a particular industry that helps to fill a vacancy in that industry research team. Lateral hires would usually require at least three years experience working in an operational or Finance role in that particular industry and ideally with a degree in finance or economics. Or alternatively they could have at least three years experience working in a financial advisory capacity for that industry for example as an accountant or as a Management Consultant. Experience is a research analyst can be an excellent way of opening doors into a wide variety of other careers that require a sound understanding of business and finance. This could include moving into a senior role in company management moving into private Equity or venture capital or finally moving into portfolio management.