Career Comparison

Equity Research Analyst vs Investment Banking Analyst

Same industry, different day-to-day. Here is how the two roles actually differ — skill by skill, straight from real job requirements.

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Equity Research Analyst

Researches public companies and industries to produce investment recommendations. Builds valuation models, tracks earnings and market catalysts, and publishes research reports used by portfolio managers and investors.

22 tracked skills · 10 core

Full Equity Research Analyst skill breakdown

Investment Banking Analyst

Supports deal teams on mergers, acquisitions, and capital raises by building financial models, valuations, and pitch materials. Conducts due diligence and market research to inform transaction strategy under tight deadlines.

23 tracked skills · 10 core

Full Investment Banking Analyst skill breakdown

14 skills both roles expect

These transfer directly if you switch between the two paths — but notice where the importance differs. Tap any skill to see why it matters.

SkillFor Equity Research AnalystsFor Investment Banking Analysts
Financial ModelingCoreCore
ValuationCoreCore
DCFCoreCore
Financial Statement AnalysisCoreImportant
Bloomberg TerminalCoreImportant
ExcelCoreCore
Market ResearchCoreImportant
Capital MarketsImportantCore
PowerPointImportantCore
Stakeholder CommunicationsoftImportantImportant
Presentation SkillssoftNice-to-haveImportant
PythonNice-to-haveNice-to-have
SQLNice-to-haveNice-to-have
Risk AssessmentNice-to-haveNice-to-have

Where the paths diverge

The skills each role expects that the other doesn't — this is the real cost of choosing one path over the other.

Still torn? Let your actual skills decide.

Upload your resume and score yourself against both roles. See which one you're already closer to — and exactly what it takes to close the other gap.