Research Associate - Industrial Technology

William Blair•Chicago, IL

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Associate conducts fundamental research for William Blair’s Industrials sector, working under the direction of senior research analysts. The role involves assembling and validating information on quality growth companies, analyzing industry sectors and securities, and building or updating financial models to identify investment opportunities. The associate prepares research reports, notes, and presentations, visits companies, attends conferences, and develops relationships with company executives. Investment ideas and recommendations are communicated directly to clients and support new business for the firm.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Two to five years of related investment research experience required.
SIE Exam, Series 7, Series 63, Series 86, and Series 87 required within the first 180 days.
Advanced conceptual and critical-thinking skills.
Advanced accounting and financial statement analysis skills.
Proficiency in building computer-generated financial models.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial information to varied audiences.
Client-service orientation.
Ability to work independently in support of team goals.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Bloomberg, and other investment-industry-standard data sources.

Nice To Haves

Concentration in Finance or Accounting.
CFA, CPA, or technical designation.

Responsibilities

Assemble and validate data on quality growth companies using internal and external sources.
Collect information on industry events, company financials, investment information, and other data relevant to fundamental research.
Evaluate potential data sources and ensure data complies with firmwide standards.
Assist senior Research Analysts in defining and documenting objectives and approaches for research projects and studies.
Conduct research using predefined parameters.
Build and update financial models and statistical data to conduct security analyses and identify investment opportunities.
Communicate findings to the Research team and refine analyses based on team input.
Prepare internal and external reports, notes, presentations, and other materials communicating research findings, news, investment ideas, and opinions.
Visit companies and attend conferences and other relevant events.
Build and maintain relationships with company executives.
Document contact points and information obtained to support analysis.
Identify and formulate investment ideas and issue opinions and recommendations to clients on securities and companies in targeted industry groups to generate new business.
Respond to inquiries from clients, investment teams, sales and marketing, and the general public about securities or industry groups.
Ensure work activities comply with applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities as requested.