| Aspect | Equity Research Graduate | Equity Analyst |
|---|
| Required Credentials | Bachelor's degree, internship experience | Bachelor's degree, often CFA Level I or II |
| Work Environment | Entry-level, training-focused, research support | Full responsibility for stock analysis and recommendations |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Investment banks, asset managers, research firms | Asset management firms, investment banks, hedge funds |
The main difference is that an Equity Research Graduate is an entry-level position focused on training and supporting research tasks, while an Equity Analyst is a more experienced role responsible for analyzing stocks and making investment recommendations. The graduate role often serves as a stepping stone toward becoming an Equity Analyst.