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

 

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