Equity Research: Associate Analyst Position

Associate analysts are hired, or promoted from research associate, to support research analysts in their coverage of an industry. Associate analysts assume a greater level of responsibility than research associates for the coverage of their assigned industries.

Associate analysts perform many of the same duties as research associates:

• Conducting in-depth research on exciting growth companies
• Building, updating, and analyzing financial models
• Writing company-specific and industry research notes and comprehensive reports
• Interviewing management teams
• Communicating with the institutional salesforce and clients
• Monitoring company-specific and industry news and events

But in addition to the above, and under the direction of a research analyst, associate analysts:

• Begin to identify and formulate new investment ideas on their own
• Issue opinions and recommendations
• Have much greater contact with institutional clients and our internal institutional salesforce

We seek ambitious and highly motivated individuals with well-developed multitasking capabilities. When filling the role of associate analyst, we typically look for candidates with the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor's degree required, with concentration in finance or accounting preferred
• MBA from a top-tier university preferred
• Minimum 2.5 years of related work experience
• CPA, CFA designations a plus
• Strong conceptual and critical thinking skills
• Strong accounting and financial statement analysis skills
• Entrepreneurial spirit and self motivated
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Committed to satisfying internal and external constituents

Back to top

FAQs

What are the hours like?
Associate analysts work a demanding schedule.

How much travel is involved?
Travel can be a significant part of the job, as associate analysts are required to visit companies, visit with institutional clients, attend trade shows etc.

Is there a career path for Associate Analysts at William Blair & Company?
Outstanding associate analysts may have the opportunity to be promoted to the role of research analyst. Roughly one-quarter of our current research analyst staff was at one time a research associate at William Blair & Company. Internal and external candidates are evaluated to fill research analyst openings when they become available.

What can I expect to get out of my experience?
In addition to the traditional duties of a research associate, associate analysts gain experience by assuming "front line" equity research responsibilities in support of a research analyst's coverage. Associate analysts gain experience, under the guidance of a research analyst, to 1) identify and formulate their own investment ideas, 2) issue opinions and recommendations, 3) and be the point person on a stock with management, the salesforce, and clients.

Back to top

Associate Analyst Profile

	Employee:	Brian Weinstein, CFA
	Industry:	Health Care
	Education:	B.S. Business - Indiana University; MBA candidate - University of Chicago (expected graduation in 2008)
	Joined:	January 2001

Why did you choose the associate analyst role at William Blair & Company?

"As I realized that I wanted to pursue a career as a research analyst, it was apparent that there were certain skills and experiences that, while critical to becoming a successful research analyst, are not able to be developed as a research associate. By becoming an associate analyst, I am afforded the opportunity to work on these skills and gain experience as I slowly identify my own investment ideas and become the point person on a small group of stocks."

What have you gotten out of the role and why would you recommend it to others?

"The biggest thing I have gotten of this opportunity is a better understanding of the demands associated with being a research analyst. The ability to completely research a stock on my own, develop the investment thesis, present this idea to the various clients, and ultimately be responsible for the recommendation of a particular stock is an experience not able to be replicated as an associate. I would recommend the associate analyst position as a way to continue to develop the basic skills acquired as an associate while at the same time seasoning the skills required to become a research analyst."

Back to top