In this conversation, Justin Cal shares his journey from a non-traditional background in life sciences to becoming an equity research associate at TD Cowan. He discusses the competitive nature of the job market in capital markets, the importance of networking, and how to leverage LinkedIn and informational interviews effectively.

Justin emphasizes the need for preparation, critical thinking, and a genuine passion for the field to succeed in equity research. He also provides valuable insights on how to stand out as a candidate and the significance of building a strong professional network.

01:18 Justin Cal's Background and Journey

04:45 The Power of Networking and Personal Connections

10:32 Informational Interviews (Coffee Chats) How to secure these

14:08 Characteristics of a Successful LinkedIn Message

17:33 How to Maximize Value From The Informational Interview

20:17 Showcasing Genuine Interest in Job Opportunities

28:44 Building Connections and Preparing for Interviews

33:09 Skills for Success in Equity Research

43:02 Routines and Habits for Staying Informed

40:29 Differentiating Oneself and Paying It Forward

Podcast Recommendations:

Business Breakdowns Podcast

Capital Allocators

Book Recommendations: (Affiliate Links)

The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

Mastering the Market Cycle by Howard Marks

The Most Important Thing by Howard Marks

Expectations Investing by Michael Mauboussin

Think Twice by Michael Mauboussin

Competition Demystified by Bruce C. Greenwald and Judd Kahn

To see all the Career Starter Program recommendations, click here.

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