What does your job involve?
Jarden’s research team provide analysis and insights on listed companies to inform its clients’ investment decisions, and I assist with the preparation of research materials and specific analyses.
My day typically starts with attending the morning meeting, where research analysts brief the institutional equities sales team on developments regarding stocks under their coverage. This provides a great insight into what analysts have been working on and developments in the market across all sectors. After a coffee, I get on with my day’s work, which varies day-to-day. Creating new pieces of analysis at the direction of senior analysts is an interesting and challenging task. It can include synthesising and summarising information from new data sources and presenting this for inclusion in research notes. Along with the creation of new analyses, existing financial models and data sheets need to be updated to reflect the latest releases and news flow. These tasks will often be driven by company announcements and updates. Throughout the day clients may also request specific pieces of analysis and creating these in a timely manner is a priority. My focus shifts between different stocks and industries under the team’s coverage very quickly, which provides for a dynamic work environment.
What's your background?
I grew up and attended school in Melbourne. After graduating high school in 2018 I went on to study the Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne, with majors in Economics and Finance. Throughout my later years at school and time at university I developed an interest in the stock market, keeping up to date with broader market developments, as well as a few particular fund managers and stocks of interest. I have made an effort to connect with professionals in the industry across the sell-side and buy-side during my time at university and was able to identify sell-side equity research as a career that best suited my interests and personality. Over the summer of 2021/22, I was fortunate to have the internship experience with Jarden in the Insurance & Diversified Financials research team, with whom I will continue working part time whilst completing my Honours year at university. In undertaking the internship, I was able to grasp the practicalities of working in research and contribute to a high-performing team. One of the most valuable aspects of the internship for me was gaining an appreciation for how high-performing analysts approach their work, and the softer skills that can lead to success in the field.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
I believe that a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds are suitable for a career in equity research. For those with an educational or professional background that lends itself to coverage of a particular sector, there is real opportunity to add value by applying technical knowledge as a subject matter expert. A background in finance is helpful for the technical aspects of the job, including valuation, modelling and analysis of financial statements. Characteristics that help with the job are an inquisitive nature, strong critical thinking skills and ability to synthesise information effectively.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The best aspect of the job is conducting research that results in clear and proprietary insights. A lot of effort goes into research that is often aimed at improving the accuracy of financial projections and thematic insights. Stock markets are incredibly dynamic, which means it is particularly rewarding when this research comes to direct and clear conclusions which are on the cutting edge. The more unique and material an insight, the more valuable it is for clients who are better equipped to generate returns with a differentiated perspective. I’d also say that the environment at Jarden feels very supportive and genial, with people throughout the business willing to engage with and commit time to the development of interns.
What are the limitations of your job?
The most difficult aspect of the job I’ve experienced is the large amount of information you must get your head around, often in a short space of time. To get a foothold in your sector you need to understand diverse business models and specialised terminology, which can seem intimidating at first. Research will also often entail working with complex financials and large datasets which can be challenging and obscuring. The depth and breadth of information pertinent to your daily work can be a barrier to learning about different sectors and understanding broader contexts.
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