Buyside Analyst vs. Sellside Research Associate

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FrankArabia

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For those who have experience in either of these roles, could you share your experiences and comment on the advan/disadvan of each. If you could do it again, would you do it again?
from what I’m hearing, the jobs are very similar(i’m referring to the junior roles here) in that you’re supporting a senior analyst or PM by performing the modelling functions, due diligence, market updates, drafting up reports etc.
if my interest is in analyzing companies, does it make a really significant difference in which side i go on?
finally, how many years of working experience is normally required before someone obtains either of these roles?
thx
 
I think any years of working experience (not including an internship) is a huge disadvantage if you’re trying to get a junior analyst role, especially nowadays.
 
TJR Wrote:
——————————————————-
> I think any years of working experience (not
> including an internship) is a huge disadvantage if
> you’re trying to get a junior analyst role,
> especially nowadays.
huge disadvantage? How so?
 
ozzie123 Wrote:
——————————————————-
> TJR Wrote:
> ————————————————–
> —–
> > I think any years of working experience (not
> > including an internship) is a huge disadvantage
> if
> > you’re trying to get a junior analyst role,
> > especially nowadays.
>
> huge disadvantage? How so?
because if you have work experience you’re over qualified…this is generally what they tell you as a cover up for only wanting undergrad ivy league
 
maybe its different here in Toronto. but what i see in the job descriptions are more in line with:
2 or more years of experience in financial industry
experience in the oil industry
how can someone with no experience have that?
i would imagine right out of MBA, but not undergrad.
 
stork,
just grinding. got a new gig around this time last year, pretty decent. looking to get a job at analyzing companies now (securities analysis). just asking around and seeing what’s going on. in the mean time, just doing a lot of reading.
how about you?
 
Back at school, trying to enjoy the student life.
Still deciding what I want to be when I grow up.
The same ol!
Good to hear that you got another job though, did you still want to ibank?
 
ibank in terms of equity underwriting m&a, no. research yes.
i’m looking at investment management. so the route towards that. i feel it fits my demeanor and personality a bit more, and its fun to me.
 
MBA,
I think I am leaning towards investment management, private client side.
 
MBA? that’s cool.
i thought about the MBA but i don’t have the time to take off work and its cost too much. But you will have the networks.
 
i’ve done both and now on the fixed income/high yield buy side. the difference is that on th ebuy side, if the fund buys my recommendation, then i have direct skin in the game and can see my idea come to fruition. its much more rewarding, yet considerably more difficult. bad trades do happen—especially in the past year as systemic risk overrides the specific risk.
managing money (ie at the PM level) is a much different skill than on the sell side. i hope to get there in a few years.
 
KRochelli,
I know 2 sellside associates and none buyside. from what i’m seeing, giong on the sellside you’re really trying to just say whatever you can that is positive about a company which i don’t think is right.
i prefer to make recommendations because the investment is good. skin in the game is good.
nonetheless sellside positions are not easy to come by but i would prefer to work on the buyside but i noticed a lot of the buyside analyst in the company websites come from the sellside.
what do you think is the best way to get into the buyside?
 
1. get an mba or at least a master of finance so you can take advantage of campus recruiting
2. get a boutique sellside gig and jump in a year or 2
3. try your alum network
4. write your own research reports and send them to PMs
5. attend as many industry conference and events as you can
 
being in the buyside is def more interesting. Sellside do research to support buyside while if you are in the buyside you at least help in making decision to invest $$$
 
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