Feb 26, 2024
8 Comments
 

Ah, swinging from the branches of Debt Capital Markets (DCM) to Private Credit (PC), are we? Let's not fling any monkey business just yet; it's a legitimate curiosity! Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's not only possible but also a path that some have trodden before.

Let's break it down:

  1. Skillset Transferability: DCM provides a solid foundation in understanding debt instruments, market dynamics, and how companies structure their capital. These skills are highly relevant in Private Credit, where you're dealing with lending but on a more direct and often more complex basis.

  2. Networking and Internal Moves: Based on previous WSO threads, networking within your current firm or with professionals in the Private Credit space can open up opportunities. It's about leveraging your current role and relationships to pivot into the area you're interested in.

  3. Highlighting Relevant Experience: When making the move, it's crucial to highlight your experience with debt instruments, any direct lending exposure you might have had, and how your analytical skills can be applied to assessing credit risk in a PC context.

  4. Educational and Professional Development: Engaging in courses or certifications that enhance your understanding of Private Credit can also bolster your profile. This shows a proactive approach to bridging any gaps in your skill set.

  5. Real-Life Examples: While the context doesn't provide specific examples of individuals who've made the switch, it's not uncommon in the finance world to pivot from a more generalist role to a specialized one. The key is to demonstrate how your background in DCM is beneficial to a role in PC, focusing on the analytical, risk assessment, and market knowledge aspects.

So, no monkey business here, just a clear path through the jungle of finance careers. It might require some swinging from vine to vine, but with the right strategy, making the leap from DCM to PC is definitely within the realm of possibility.

Sources: Going from IB to ECM or DCM? Anyone made this move?, ECM / DCM - the hidden exit opp?, DCM Path, DCM Escape Plan?, MF PC to HF, Special Sits, Something Else

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

Gender, race, experience, education all come into play here (I’d rather not get much into the first 2). So those aside I think it will depend on;

-years of experience; clearly better odds if this is a move at analyst level vs vp level

-extent of relevant experience; how much have you worked with the levfin/sponsors guys at your bank? What have you learnt from this? What kind of additional/independent learning/reading/practice did this prompt?

-type of bank you’re at, and what type of fund you’re targeting; nothing nontrivial on this point, I think it’s sensible to rule out an Ares gig if you’re doing DCM at Credit Agricole


I think it would really improve your chances to try find a levfin seat, but the points above will still apply

 

Fwiw Towerbrook hired a dcm girl, and the skill gap there is arguably larger

Very unique case - have a friend who is working at Towerbrook right now as a Principal, unless your dad is CEO of one of the portcos, then you won't be able to make it with non banking experience 

 

Minus voluptatem ad fuga. Excepturi eos molestias doloremque nisi nemo sapiente fugiat.

Magnam voluptatibus ad voluptatem aut. Debitis voluptatum architecto odio inventore expedita iusto. Et provident iste adipisci cum voluptas inventore sed.

Velit a perferendis voluptas fugiat sapiente. Quo sed aut corporis eos voluptates id fugit.

Animi odit provident maxime praesentium tempore. Est corrupti natus quam. Consequatur est corporis culpa vel. Officia voluptatem totam id eligendi molestiae mollitia. Ut sunt voluptatem et sit eveniet. Ab sunt nulla suscipit voluptate aliquam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”