Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Investor Relations Professionals
Sabrina, an Investor Relations professional at Right Side Capital Management, highlighted "client services associate" and "analyst" roles as excellent entry-level options, noting that the latter "can be a little bit more cutthroat" but offers faster advancement opportunities. Other entry-level paths mentioned included portfolio manager positions, offering a hands-on approach to daily stock analysis and investment choices.
Entry-Level Positions, Financial Services, Investment Management, Client Services, Portfolio Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sabrina Waite
Investor Relations
Right Side Capital Management
Cal Lutheran University
NA
Business & Related, Finance
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Client Services Associate: Offers a broad understanding of daily tasks and different office environments within the field.
2. Analyst: Provides in-depth experience in private equity/venture capital, potentially leading to quicker advancement (though often involves more demanding work).
3. Portfolio Manager: Involves daily stock analysis and investment selection within a financial advisory setting, offering a direct entry-level role in investment management.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
The client services associate is a really great entry-level position. That's what I personally did. It gives you a good feel for the different kinds of offices and advisors and things that you can do in your day to day.
An analyst is also a really good entry-level position, especially if you want to get into private equity or venture capital. Being an analyst can be a little more cutthroat than a client services associate, but it really gives you a good feel and idea for what your role can turn into.
Many individuals I know who were analysts quickly became managing directors or partners. They got their own clients and investors and started on the fundraising side of things pretty quickly.
There are a lot of different companies in this industry where analysts are known to work a lot of overtime. However, there's always a balance. You can always find a smaller firm to work for that offers the day-to-day experience you're seeking.
To go hand in hand with a client associate, there's a portfolio manager. You can be an entry-level portfolio manager, which involves looking at stocks every day, helping to choose investments, and managing trading accounts under a financial advisory office. I think that would be a really good entry-level position as well.