is it possible to go from sell-side trading to investment management or research?

For someone with a B.S. in engineering who joined the S&T of a bank as a trader… for example, trading derivatives of an asset class. Is it possible to go to investment management or investment research without further education? I’ve heard that the skillset gained in trading is so narrow that you either jump to another trading firm or need further education like an MBA to make a switch.

correct, skill learned in trading is very narrow and basically not transferrable. jumping to research i’d say is almost no chance. investment management probably a better chance, but not great odds.

MBA probably your best bet, or if you know someone.