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Careers
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Equity Research: Research Associate Position
Research associates work in partnership with a research analyst to provide research coverage of a growth industry. As a research associate, your
days will be spent learning security analysis as you complete the following tasks:
- 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, other internal
constituents, and clients
- Monitoring company-specific and industry news and events
If learning security analysis from seasoned professionals, gaining knowledge of specific industries, and working in an exciting and dynamic workplace appeals to you, then the role of an equity research associate may be right for you.
We seek ambitious and highly motivated individuals with well-developed multitasking capabilities. When filling the role of research associate, we typically look for candidates with the following qualifications and experience:
- Bachelor's degree required, with concentration in finance or accounting preferred
- Minimum two to three years of work experience
- CPA, CFA designations a plus
- Experience building and analyzing financial models
- Exceptional written communication skills
- Internet/computer proficiency including Microsoft Office (with particular emphasis in Word and Excel)
- Familiarity with FactSet and/or Bloomberg desired
FAQs
What are the hours like?
Research associates can expect to work about 60 hours per week. This will vary depending on the time of year and the current demands placed on your research team.
How much travel is involved?
This varies, as some research associates rarely travel while others travel frequently. Travel schedules depend on work flow and your development as a research associate.
What is the career path for research associates at William Blair &
Company?
Outstanding research associates may have the opportunity to be promoted to the role of
associate analyst and similarly, outstanding
associate analysts may have the opportunity to be promoted to the role of research analyst.
Over one-quarter of our current research analyst staff was at one time a research associate with William Blair & Company.
What can I expect to get out of my experience?
Research associates develop strong writing and financial modeling skills. They gain the ability to quickly analyze vast amounts of information and communicate concise conclusions. Our associates gain valuable experience interacting with senior levels of management. In summary, our research associates
have the opportunity to learn the fundamental skills required to be research analysts.
Research Associate Profiles
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Employee: |
Ryan Merkel |
| Industry: |
Industrials |
| Education: |
B.S. Finance - Indiana University |
| Joined: |
April 2005 |
Why did you choose the research associate role at William Blair &
Company?
"I was drawn to the research associate position at William Blair because I wanted to learn equity analysis from an industry leader, with a reputation for high-quality, in-depth research. I also wanted to develop a specific industry expertise, which is an opportunity unique to the sell side."
What have you gotten out of the role and why would you recommend it to others?
"For me, learning the firm’s rigorous, fundamental approach to investment analysis has been my greatest reward. I’d encourage others to consider applying to the firm because no two days are the same, and you can expect to be surrounded by people eager to help you succeed."
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Employee: |
Natalie Freedman, CFA |
| Industry: |
Health Care |
| Education: |
Bachelor of Business Administration - University of Michigan |
| Joined: |
July 2004 |
Why did you choose the research associate role at William Blair & Company?
"At my previous job, I was working in investment consulting and wanted to transition from broad asset class and mutual fund investment analysis to a greater level of company-specific analysis. I was attracted to the equity research associate role at William Blair & Company because I saw it as an opportunity to develop my health care industry knowledge and equity analysis skills at a top firm."
What have you gotten out of the role and why would you recommend it to others?
"Since I started at William Blair & Company nearly two years ago, I have had the opportunity to visit companies’ facilities, meet with senior levels of management, and travel to industry conferences. In addition, I have further developed my financial modeling abilities, writing capabilities, and communication
skills. I would recommend this position to people with an interest in the stock market and those looking to develop a deep understanding of a particular sector."
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