Corporate Strategy to Investment Banking / M&A?

I'm currently working in Corporate Strategy for a large (F500) diversified financial services company (insurance, retirement, wealth & Asset Management). I've been in strategy for three years and spent the previous three years in a sales-related role (same company). I've had good career progression but have always wanted to break into an IB (FIG) or M&A-focused role. I've worked on a handful of high-level M&A screens and potential deals while here, but none have been executed so I have little to show for the (limited) experience. I am a CFA Charterholder, which I'm hoping may offset some concerns regarding lack of experience, but I'm not exactly sure what opportunities may exist in IB for someone with my background.

Does anyone have any experience transitioning to IB/M&A from Corporate Strategy (or Development)? Particularly at this stage in their career (5-7 years post-undergrad)? I'd also be interested in general M&A consulting, TAS, or Valuations, but I'd be curious to know whether those are more or less realistic given my background. Any insight? Thanks!

3 Comments
 

What sort of deal size and how much involvement in what stages? If they're complex and you did a decent amount of modeling, you'd have a chance to lateral as an analyst at a lower end shop, but MBA -> associate may expand opportunities. If you can network and be able to spin what you did well that would help a lot if you can make it seem like you did core work

 

Et asperiores tempora delectus nisi. Aliquam qui laudantium dolor et quisquam ullam soluta voluptatibus. Alias fugiat blanditiis ducimus itaque eaque reiciendis doloribus consequatur.

Id sunt eos autem. Modi sunt nihil id. Quam libero aliquid aut quisquam ducimus. Aliquid ipsam odit tempore quibusdam necessitatibus ut. Beatae est aperiam modi sit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan No 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (45) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”