Transitioning from corporate finance to equity research - how feasible is this mid-level switch?

Question

Hi everyone, I’ve been working in corporate finance (FP&A) at a Fortune 500 company for about four years now. While I’ve gained solid forecasting and budgeting experience, I’ve become increasingly interested in the more analytical and market-facing side of finance, particularly equity research. I’m wondering how realistic it is to make this switch at my level. Would I be starting from scratch in terms of hierarchy and comp? Also, would pursuing a CFA at this stage give me a meaningful edge?

Answer 1

Hi!

It is possible.

I've seen people move from FP&A to equity research, especially when they highlight their analytical skills and industry knowledge.

You might have to take a slight step back in title or comp at first, depending on the firm, but your experience can still be very relevant. Pursuing the CFA can help show your commitment and boost your profile, especially if you're targeting more fundamental research roles.

If you're serious about it, I’d start networking with analysts and exploring roles that align with your background. It’s not an easy switch, but it’s certainly doable. Good luck!

Rita

Answer 2

Hey!

Making the move from corporate finance to equity research is feasible, but it often requires repositioning your skill set to show direct relevance. Your FP&A background already demonstrates strong financial analysis, forecasting, and working with management assumptions, which can translate well into building equity research models and writing reports.

The main gap will be market-facing exposure and sector knowledge, so highlighting your interest in following industries, companies, and market trends becomes crucial. In terms of hierarchy, you may need to accept a role that’s closer to an associate level, as research teams often prefer candidates with prior coverage experience, but your professional maturity can still work in your favor.

Pursuing the CFA can definitely strengthen your profile, particularly for research roles, as it signals both technical knowledge and commitment to the field. While it won’t guarantee a direct transition, it does help bridge credibility if you don’t have prior sell-side experience.

Networking with analysts, showcasing stock pitches, and demonstrating genuine passion for markets will matter just as much. If you’re willing to take a slight reset in title or comp initially, you can leverage your foundation to transition successfully and then grow quickly once you’re in the right seat.

Answer 3

The switch from FP&A to equity research is definitely possible, especially if you can show strong market interest and analytical thinking. You might need to come in at a junior associate level, so yes, there could be a slight reset in title or comp, but your experience will still be valued.

Pursuing the CFA is a smart move, it signals commitment and builds credibility in public markets. To strengthen your case, start writing stock pitches or doing mock research reports, and try networking with research professionals to get referrals or insights.