I currenty work for ML on the sales side. I’d really like to transition into an anlyst role and start working with numbers more. I have a masters in Finance but im wondering if my sales background is hindering my ability to transition. Has anyone had any luck going from being an FA to an analyst?
Saying “analyst” leads me to believe you don’t actually know what you’re asking. What are you specifically seeking to analyze and I can better answer this question.
Possibly research, investments, equities or fixed income. I think portfolio management for non institutional clients would be something I’d be interested in as well. Thanks for the response.
1) research is also general. Equity research? Fixed income research? 2) investments lol “you know, just all of them” 3) being a portfolio manager is not an entry level job, it’s like saying you’d be interested in being CEO one day. You have to really do your homework. I’m not trying to be a jerk, but you will be eaten alive in an interview if you give answers like that. I strongly suggest you ask around Merrill and see if you can dial in to daily market update calls, read the company email blasts in the mornings that give market updates, and start reaching out internally to ask people about their jobs to see if it’s something you’re interested in. Keep grinding dude, you’ll figure it out.
If you want to land an analyst position within wealth management, plenty FA teams want to hire. You just need to find a good team with the budget. ML will hire more & more analysts into GWIM. That's a clear trend.
That’s great to hear. Any idea if location plays a role into the trends?
Yes. Bigger offices (for instance SF) have higher budgets & room for flexibility. Smaller ones much harder. 1 analyst counts as 2 CAs in terms of budget. If you have solid FA/sales experience already, then find big FA teams you want to work with & market yourself there.
BofA takes transitions all the time. Check their internal board, find a LOB that resonates with you, and there is sure to be an open BA role for you.
FICC has been hiring for various teams most of the year. Tough to get into. Check internal openings then prep accordingly.
I know a few people that were able to transition after obtaining a CFA. Your firm may pay for this as well.