Nov 14, 2024

How To Get Acclimated Quickly With Credit

I graduate this December and have a cool opportunity to work with a startup credit shop for a few months before I start my FT job in IB in July. Comp structure is designed so that my cost of living in a low COL city is paid ($50k annualized) but there is a commission component and I thought it would be fun to try and attract either some co-investment capital or deals. We work primarily in lower LMM asset-based lending deals. they run a fund less sponsor model so opportunity lies either in capital raising or deal flow. Was with the company for while and did pitch decks, hopped on DD calls and did some modeling so I have a good idea of the company. As much as I learned a lot I would like to solidify my knowledge and was wondering 1. what I can read to know the ins and out of credit, 2. How I can try to raise capital from like FOs and HNW/UNHW individuals in my area, and any other info I should know.

Before people say "oh, people won't trust a college grad", yea I know this is just a cool project, I have a FT role locked it and any success is purely upside. Plus I've talked to a lot of our LPs and tbh dare I say I don't see anything super special about them besides they have money. Any help would be appreciated.

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some steps and resources to get acclimated quickly with credit and succeed in your upcoming role:

1. Reading Material to Understand Credit:

  • Credit Agreements: Take the time to read through credit agreements in full. This will help you understand the intricacies of covenant packages and the implications for lenders.
  • Debt Primers: Read up on debt primers to understand different parts of the capital structure, such as senior, unitranche, and mezzanine debt.
  • Case Studies: Look into private credit case studies to understand how to underwrite credit, create downside scenarios, and identify recession-resistant investments.

2. Raising Capital from Family Offices (FOs) and High Net Worth (HNW)/Ultra High Net Worth (UNHW) Individuals:

  • Networking: Leverage your existing network and the contacts you have made through your current role. Personal connections can be crucial in raising capital.
  • Pitch Decks: Refine your pitch decks to clearly articulate the value proposition of your deals and the potential returns for investors.
  • Understanding Investor Needs: Think from the perspective of potential investors. Understand their risk tolerance, investment preferences, and what would make your opportunity attractive to them.

3. Additional Tips:

  • Investment Committees: Dial into all investment committee meetings, even if it’s not your deal. Listen to the questions asked and note which answers are effective.
  • Workout Experience: Gain experience in workout situations to understand the legal and financial nuances of distressed deals.
  • Foreign Language Skills: If applicable, consider learning a foreign language that could be useful in your field, such as French, Spanish, Italian, or Mandarin.

By focusing on these areas, you can solidify your knowledge and make the most of your opportunity at the startup credit shop.

Sources: Q&A: Currently at a Credit Hedge Fund, Where / How can I learn more about funds?, L/S Credit HF Analyst - Q&A, Q&A : Credit (DL, SSG), Private Credit Resources and Prep

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

Qui culpa in ipsam officiis. Aut molestiae reprehenderit non molestias ea culpa voluptas.

Ipsam adipisci alias assumenda nostrum culpa cupiditate. Asperiores nostrum natus nemo odio sed omnis voluptatum enim. Modi minus qui minus laboriosam.

Amet perferendis ea aut iste culpa qui rerum. Nam est necessitatibus ullam nobis quasi dolores. Dolores rem rerum et aliquam omnis deserunt aut. Impedit aperiam enim voluptatum blanditiis in omnis. Maiores autem dicta facilis velit laudantium. Aut eum voluptas laborum dolores nihil maiores.

Corrupti illum dolor quia sint. Quia non ullam magni quaerat rerum animi. Veniam dolor assumenda perferendis maxime molestias sapiente.

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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”