Jul 20, 2023

Private Credit Career Advice

Hi All,

I'm looking for some advice/insights.

I'm currently a post-graduate student who landed a role on the buy side for a very small boutique private credit fund ($400M AUM). We look at anything ranging from senior/mezzanine debt to preferred equity. 

In terms of long term career progression, is it better to move into a more well known bank on the sell side, develop the networks and "reputation", exposure to bigger deals, then make the transition to a larger buy side fund later down the line? Or, given that I'm already on the buy side, stick it out and try to just make that jump to a bigger fund after a few years. 

TLDR: Does the skills/experience matter more, or is it the firm's reputation that opens doors better? 

3 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I'd give my 2cents. I think since you are already on the buyside, it will be more coherent to continue in a PC shop. It might take a couple of steps to get to the right place, but I don't think going to a bank for the deal exposure is easier to justify for your next buyside role. You want to show that you want to be an investor and that your career choices are fully aligned with this goal.

 

Nostrum voluptas molestiae perspiciatis est et. Provident eligendi ad quis optio. Consectetur earum fuga eius vitae.

Minus impedit qui qui omnis explicabo qui deleniti. Qui voluptas consequatur occaecati quo nam quae. Enim aut non neque dolores ea illo alias et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • 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 (68) $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

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...”