An equity research associate is a financial analyst that provides insights to a financial manager regarding investment strategies. As an equity research associate, your responsibilities include diligently researching market trends for bonds, options, and stocks, producing a report detailing recommendations, and presenting all of this information to the financial manager. You need a bachelor’s degree for this career, and while business is the most common field, any degree that hones your analytical skills may be acceptable for this position. You can find equity research analyst positions in most financial institutions.