H.L. Mencken, who wrote in The American Mercury (April 1924) that “the aim of public education is not to fill the young of the species with knowledge and awaken their intelligence. . . . Nothing could be further from the truth. The aim . . . is simply to reduce as many individuals as possible to the same safe level, to breed and train a standardized citizenry, to put down dissent and originality. That is its aim in the United States . . . and that is its aim everywhere else.”
What Does It Take to Be a Casey Research Analyst? |
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But first, I have a mission to accomplish with today’s missive. And that’s to tell our readers what it takes to be a Casey Research analyst. After all, that’s how I started in the company, so I should know. We’re always looking for new analysts—and right now, we’re actively searching for the next passionate, enthusiastic, and hungry junior investment analyst(s) to join Casey Research. We receive dozens of applications every month from folks looking to start or continue their career as an investment analyst under the tutelage of the greats like Doug, Louis, Marin, and Alex. But oftentimes it’s not clear just what it takes to get there… or what opportunities and further challenges to expect when you get your call up to the majors. One of the benefits of working for a growing company like Casey Research is that, if you do good work, there’s plenty of room to blossom. Several of our formerly junior analysts have done just that recently. One now heads his own team of analysts in a sister company, while another manages a small piece of our business himself. And while we hate to lose great talent to career paths outside of Casey Research, we must admit it happens on occasion—such as the analyst who last year took on a lead role at establishing a Spanish investment bank’s operations in the American South. A loss for Casey, but a testament to the experience and mentorship that comes with the job. In fact, it’s those vacant shoes above that we’re seeking to fill. But it’s not all glory for the new recruit. It takes years to learn this trade, and it starts with pulling the ox cart—specifically, assisting our senior editors in performing research, picking stocks, and other investments (and having the fortitude to press on when ideas are thrown back at him or her, which happens more often than not), writing articles, briefs, presentations, and much more. Sure, a degree in finance/accounting/economics, experience screening for and selecting investments, and a track record of generating profitable investment ideas are all plusses. But none are requirements. We don’t believe that a degree alone proves your mettle. The only non-negotiables are a passion for investing and a hunger to excel. If you possess those traits, our talented team of experienced analysts will gladly take you under its wing to help develop your skills. This isn’t Monster.com, so rather than continue with a boring list of job requirements, I’ll take an alternative approach by describing some characteristics I believe make for successful Casey Researchers. Then you can judge for yourself if you or someone you know really has what it takes to thrive in what is unquestionably one of the most challenging but rewarding career directions a budding analyst can take. If you get through this list and still think you have what it takes, check out the application process below, which includes an opportunity for you to show us your best stuff. With a hat tip to Jeff Foxworthy, you might be the next Casey Research analyst if…
One more thing: the norm among Casey Researchers is that there is no norm. We employ economists, geologists, engineers, writers, accountants, professors, appraisers, marketers, mathematicians, and attorneys. We are CPAs, CFAs, MBAs, and JDs. And that’s just off the top of my head. So if you’d like to apply but are afraid that you don’t “fit the mold,” nonsense. There is no mold! If you’re interested in becoming a junior investment analyst for Casey Research, here’s what to do: In 2,500 words or fewer, convince us of your best investment idea. Present it in an entertaining and persuasive manner, backed by solid research and analysis. This is your chance to chance to set yourself apart from other submissions, so include whatever you deem necessary to make a compelling investment case. If you’re recommending a stock, a sample structure might be: Introduction: Tell the story behind the investment. Financials: Analyze the financial statements and generate sales, margin, and earnings or cash flow forecasts. What You’ll Be Watching For: Outline the major risks. Why You Like It: Recap why you are bullish and provide any other reasons to like the stock. Recommendation Specifics: Provide a buy price and price target. Also discuss your projected timing horizon, how you would structure the trade, and how you arrived at your price target. We’ll judge submissions on the following criteria, in no particular order…
Send your submissions plus your résumé to careers@caseyresearch.com by January 31, and we’ll contact you if we think you might be a good fit. We’ll use your submission solely to review your candidacy—it will not be published. Good luck! CSInvesting: Have a Great Weekend! SUMZERO JOBS Here are some roles recently posted on the SumZero.com Job Vault just in the last week. Please check the Job Vault under the Careers section of the site to apply to these and other open positions. Email liz@sumzero.com with questions or if your fund would like assistance on a search. Analyst – Distressed and Special Situations – Special Situations and Distressed / Credit Fund – NYC Technology Analyst – Pre or Post MBA – Value-Oriented Long Short Fund – Dallas Analyst Positions – Pre and Post MBA – Long Biased, Value Oriented Special Situation Fund – NYC Associate Director of Research – Multi $Bn Multi Strategy Hedge Fund – NYC Experienced Industrials/Materials/Energy Analyst – Global Long/Short Equities Strategy Hedge Fund – San Francisco Emerging Markets Equity Analyst – Multi $Bn Investment Fund – Chicago I would submit a polished research report on your favorite idea. Forget the credentials. |