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In the same position; from what I've gathered on here it's possible, but it's generally easier to go IB Levfin before buyside. However there are some firms that would take you which is like Marathon Asset Management or Churchill Asset Management who would take corporate bankers when they deal with more senior debt and supposedly "boring".
So here are the options I've concluded from my own networking/reading on this website.
Option 1: worth noting CB -> CR is very hard to find on linkedin but supposedly its possible
Option 2: CB -> Credit Ratings -> CR/Buyside Credit Research which is a very typical path.
Option 3: either CB -> PC (Insurance / Other) or CB -> IB Levfin -> PC/FI whatever your heart desires.
If you're also a newgrad I'd love to connect and help each other out!
*Sidenote dcm -> buyside supposedly difficult because your modeling skills are nonexistent. But that may be just the trash talk between coverage and product groups.
Corporate banking professionals can and do transition to credit buyside roles like direct lending or credit research, but the ease and likelihood depend on several factors, including your specific experience and skill set.
Key Insights:
Direct Lending/Private Credit Exits:
Necessity of DCM/LevFin:
Most Applicable Roles:
Additional Considerations:
Summary:
It is not mandatory to move to DCM/LevFin, but doing so can provide a smoother path. However, corporate bankers with strong credit and deal experience can transition directly to buyside credit roles, particularly if they focus on relevant areas like syndicated loans or acquisition financing.
Sources: Corporate Banking?, 2017 Commercial/Corporate Banking Bonuses, Credit Analyst Q&A, 2017 Commercial/Corporate Banking Bonuses, Q&A: VP in LO Public Credit
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