FP&A -> Corp Dev?
I left IB before the 1 year mark to work at a portco and the role was sold to me as a corp dev / fp&a hybrid, but the company decided against doing more add-ons after I joined and I’ve been doing mostly fp&a work. I can still have my title be corpdev related.
Is it feasible to recruit into a more acquisitive corp dev role after being at this portco for a year? Worried I gotta go to bschool or back to IB in order to ever do deals again.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's definitely feasible to transition from FP&A to a more acquisitive corporate development role. Here are a few points to consider:
FP&A Experience: Your FP&A experience can be valuable in a corporate development role. FP&A involves managing budgets, helping with accounting, and forecasting revenue, all of which are skills that can be useful in corporate development.
Networking: Networking is key. Reach out to people in the industry, use LinkedIn, and apply for M&A jobs in the same industry. Persistence and aggressiveness can be key in this transition.
Previous IB Experience: Your previous investment banking experience can also be a strong asset. Many corporate development roles value the skills and knowledge gained in investment banking.
MBA: While an MBA can certainly help, it's not always necessary. Some companies hire into corporate development from top MBA programs, but others hire from consulting/IB roles or promote high-performing internal FP&A analysts.
Deal-Related Role: Having at least one deal-related role in your CV can increase your chances of breaking into corporate development.
Remember, every company is different and these are general observations. It's always best to research the specific companies you're interested in and tailor your approach accordingly. Good luck!
Sources: Corporate Development Manager - Q&A, Corporate Finance Q&A with accountingbyday, BJM85, STorIB, and djfiii, Anyone actually like their corporate development job? (Post -IB), 40% paycut
Yes but you gotta move quick
So it is feasible? I’ll be taken seriously and not just discarded as someone with no deal experience?
im worried that I’m going to have to get and MBA and go back to banking to ever do real deals again but i want to find a path where I dont have to do that
Yes it is but you need to move ASAP before you are typecast as FP&A
I just started, how soon is ASAP
just start interviewing. if you've done literally anything deal related talk about that. talk about your banking experience as well. when asked why you're moving, say the company started changing direction and you want to M&A, etc.
i'd say 2 years is the absolute max. otherwise you're letting your career stagnate. sooner the better though. the issue is kind of age - the older or "more senior" you are, then expectations are also higher. or you end up applying for slightly earlier career stage positions, because that's what your experience can get you to.
also... if you're concerned find a way to keep your deal skills sharp. make sure you can still model shit out, run/do DD stuff, understand the process, etc. don't be like a mega hardo, but you need to comfortable discussing and exhibiting your experience and skillset.
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