Hi Aaron,

Your background lends itself well to equity research. I think one of the skills in short supply among equity analysts is, believe it or not, a solid understanding of accounting. Furthermore, many aspiring and current equity research analysts lack any real world experience with businesses. Thus, they lack a firm understanding of how real returns with real capital are earned; all remains an abstraction.

If I had your knowledge and your background I would:

* Certainly get the CFA charter. Some investors value the CFA designation. At CFA Institute we firmly point the finger at ourselves for the lack of wider recognition of just what a CFA after your name means. I would get the CFA charter because it will increase your knowledge, and thus your intelligence. With more information and more understanding you are more likely to make more informed and more unique decisions for your clients.

* Project valuation, yes! I think your instinct of getting into your firm's project valuation department is spot on. There you will learn the art and science of forecasting and valuation, that is: alchemy.

* Maybe contact a headhunter. You may be surprised at just how marketable you are within the buyside community. Buyside firms that are research intensive are always looking for folks with years of experience in industry that are also good at accounting. Your background would appeal to many, I think.

* Always try and chart your boundaries and then try and move past them one leap of faith at a time!

Best wishes for success, Aaron!

Jason