Quentin Broad brings unique equity research perspective to DeGroote Trader in Residence program

Kim Wojtczak | Hamilton, ON | Posted on October 26, 2011

Quentin Broad

Quentin Broad, graduate of the DeGroote School of Business MBA program and managing director of the equity research department at CIBC Wholesale Banking, engaged commerce students and shared his finance expertise during a presentation for the Trader In Residence program at DeGroote on Oct. 18.

The Trader In Residence program gives McMaster students the opportunity to gain inside perspectives on the business world through professionals like Broad, who share their insights and extensive industry experience. Broad reminded students that "they have a tremendous toolkit at their disposal at DeGroote," and urged them to take advantage of all the resources.

Broad discussed the significance of equity research in the current business environment, explained his department's position within CIBC and spoke of his professional experience prior to joining the company. Broad pointed to equity research as central to finance, stating that it is a dynamic business with direct connections to important publics like buy side clients.

Having worked as an analyst and now working with many fundamental analysts in his department, Broad's advice for students interested in the industry is to develop a strong foundation in finance and accounting, as well as strong written and verbal communication skills.

He also points to sales skills as an overlooked, yet necessary, advantage. "The term 'analyst' conjures up the image of poring over numbers, but the number one skill for an analyst is being able to sell," Broad explains.

Broad transitioned from an arts background into business, completing his MBA at DeGroote in 1988. He encourages business students to remain open to changing career paths and unexpected ways of reaching their goals. "You don't need to have all the answers," Broad explains, "the foundational skills you develop remain relevant in different ways."

Because the road to the workplace is different for everyone, Broad points to programs like Trader In Residence as important for expanding students' industry perceptions. As recipient of the 2010 Investment Industry Association of Canada (IIAC) Future Leader Scholarship Award and a member of McMaster's board of governors, Broad is a strong advocate of community involvement and in particular giving back to McMaster.

During the presentation, Broad expressed his pride in DeGroote and its students, as well as his desire to support the program by returning for these types of student interactions. "You don't take a back seat to anyone," he explained, reminding students to be proud of their school and make use of the resources they have at hand.